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Synthesis of magnetically separable Bi2O2CO3/carbon nanotube/ZnFe2O4 as Z-scheme heterojunction with enhanced photocatalytic activity for water purification

  • Original Paper: Sol-gel and hybrid materials for energy, environment and building applications
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Abstract

To utilize Bi2O2CO3 as an efficient photocatalyst, it is of utmost interest to design a system that not only promotes the broad range absorption but also facilitates recyclability and speedy separation of photocatalyst. In this work, magnetically separable Z-scheme Bi2O2CO3/carbon nanotubes/ZnFe2O4 photocatalyst (BOC/CNT/ZF) was synthesized through a simplistic one-step hydrothermal approach investigated for 2,4-dimethyl phenol (DMP) degradation under visible light exposure. The structural and morphological features of photocatalyst were explored using XRD, FTIR, FESEM, HRTEM, and EDX mapping analysis. The UV-visible spectroscopy indicated extended visible light activity of prepared photocatalyst. The photocatalyst was magnetically separated from reaction solution in 20 s. The Z-scheme approach during photocatalysis process was validated using radical scavenging, electrochemical impedance and photoluminescence analysis. CNT mediated Z-scheme electron migration mechanism was proposed which explicate remarkable augmentation in photodegradation ability for DMP degradation. The hydroxyl radicals generated via Z-scheme mode were responsible for mineralization of DMP into CO2 and H2O. BOC/CNT/ZF photocatalyst displayed significant photocatalytic efficiency during the recycle experiment. In addition, significant activity for other phenolic compounds credited it as perspective for long-term practical use in environmental remediation.

Highlights

  • Construction of Bi2O2CO3 and ZnFe2O4 based Z-scheme photocatalyst.

  • Carbon nanotubes acted as electron mediator during Z-scheme photocatalysis.

  • The photocatalyst was magnetically separated from reaction solution in 20 s.

  • Hydroxyl radicals dominated phenol degradation process.

  • The proposed photocatalytic system exhibited high recyclability.

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Acknowledgements

This project was funded by the Deanship of Scientific Research (DSR), King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, under Grant No. (DF-642-130-1441). The authors, therefore, gratefully acknowledge DSR technical and financial support.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, P. O. Box 80203, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia

    Aftab Aslam Parwaz Khan & Abdullah M. Asiri

  2. School of Chemistry, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Shoolini University, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, 173212, India

    Pardeep Singh & Pankaj Raizada

  3. Himalayan Centre for Excellence in Nanotechnology, Shoolini University, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, 173229, India

    Pardeep Singh & Pankaj Raizada

  4. Center of Excellence for Advanced Materials Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia

    Abdullah M. Asiri

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  1. Aftab Aslam Parwaz Khan
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Khan, A.A.P., Singh, P., Raizada, P. et al. Synthesis of magnetically separable Bi2O2CO3/carbon nanotube/ZnFe2O4 as Z-scheme heterojunction with enhanced photocatalytic activity for water purification. J Sol-Gel Sci Technol 95, 408–422 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10971-020-05336-6

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