Synergetic photocatalytic degradation of the tetracycline antibiotic over S-scheme based BiOBr/CuInS2/WO3 ternary heterojunction photocatalyst

• Published in: Solid state sciences Vol. 157; p. 107700
• Main Authors: Banyal, Rahul, Sonu, Sonu, Soni, Vatika, Chawla, Akshay, Raizada, Pankaj, Ahamad, Tansir, Thakur, Sourbh, Nguyen, Van-Huy, Singh, Pardeep
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Masson SAS 01.11.2024
• Subjects: BiOBr/CuInS2/WO3; Heterojunction formation; S-scheme; Tetracycline antibiotic; Tetracycline antibiotic; S-scheme; BiOBr/CuInS2/WO3; Heterojunction formation
• ISSN: 1293-2558
• DOI: 10.1016/j.solidstatesciences.2024.107700

The present research investigated the photodegradation capability of a ternary BiOBr/CuInS2/WO3 heterojunction against the tetracycline (TC) antibiotic. BiOBr/CuInS2/WO3 heterojunction is formed using a straightforward physical mixing method, whereas pure photocatalysts (CuInS2, WO3) were synthesized hydrothermally and BiOBr by a coprecipitation process. The Field Emission Scanning Electron Spectroscopy examination validated the nanorod and nanosheet shape of the fabricated BiOBr-CuInS2-WO3. The photodegradation capabilities of the BiOBr-CuInS2-WO3 heterojunction were superior to those of other pure photocatalysts, and it followed the S-scheme charge transfer route as indicated by the band alignments. After 120 min of light irradiation, the BiOBr/CuInS2/WO3 S-scheme ternary heterojunction obtained a photodegradation rate of 98.9 %, much greater than other pure photocatalysts. According to electron spin resonance investigations and scavenging experiments, the radicals hydroxyl radicals (•OH), hole (h+), superoxide (•O2−) play a significant role in the photodegradation of TC. The ternary heterojunction's improved light absorption, lower recombination rate, and higher photocarrier separation rate were due to the fabrication of S-scheme heterojunction. The ternary BiOBr/CuInS2/WO3 photocatalyst's photodegradation efficacy was consequently enhanced. Investigations for photocatalyst reusability demonstrated its exceptional stability, with a 93.8 % degradation rate after five catalytic cycles. [Display omitted] •BiOBr/CuInS2/WO3 dual S-scheme photocatalyst was fabricated for Tetracycline degradation.•BiOBr/CuInS2/WO3 ternary heterojunction exhibited a 98.9 % degradation within 120 min.•Boosted charge separation and migration rate via dual S-scheme charge transfer pathway.••O2−, •OH, and h+ radicals play a significant role in the degradation of TC antibiotics.