2D/1D Z-scheme heterojunction of Bi3O4Br and TiO2 nanobelt for photocatalytic degradation of pharmaceuticals

[EN] The pharmaceuticals present in wastewater treatment effluents cause significant environmental concern due to their persistence and potential toxicity. In the present work, a novel 2D/1D Z-scheme Bi3O4Br and TiO2 nanobelt (Bi3O4Br/TiO2 NB) photocatalyst was synthesized for the degradation of pha...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Ahmadi, Sajad, Yaah, Velma Beri Kimbi, Sliz, Rafal, de Oliveira, Sergio Botelho, Heponiemi, Anne, Ojala, Satu, Leyva Perez, Antonio|||0000-0003-1063-5811
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Fecha de publicación:2025
País:España
Institución:Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV)
Repositorio:RiuNet. Repositorio Institucional de la Universitat Politécnica de Valéncia
Idioma:inglés
OAI Identifier:oai:riunet.upv.es:10251/228368
Acceso en línea:https://riunet.upv.es/handle/10251/228368
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:TiO2 nanobelts
Novel Z-scheme heterojunction
Paracetamol
Photocatalysis
Improved lifetime
Charge carrier separation
Descripción
Sumario:[EN] The pharmaceuticals present in wastewater treatment effluents cause significant environmental concern due to their persistence and potential toxicity. In the present work, a novel 2D/1D Z-scheme Bi3O4Br and TiO2 nanobelt (Bi3O4Br/TiO2 NB) photocatalyst was synthesized for the degradation of pharmaceuticals. Photocatalytic activity of this heterojunction catalyst was evaluated in the degradation of paracetamol and the effects of pH, photo-catalyst dosage, pollutant concentration, and temperature were investigated. The Bi3O4Br/TiO2 NB with a ratio of 2:1 enabled the highest 89 % degradation of paracetamol. Total organic carbon (TOC) analysis showed 54 % and 70 % TOC removal with 0.2 g and 0.4 g of the composite, respectively. Active species trapping experiments and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) analysis confirmed a Z-scheme charge transfer mechanism, improving charge carrier separation and increased generation of reactive oxygen species. Minimal structural degradation over four experimental cycles reflects the good stability of the composite. The degradation of diluted pharmaceutical wastewater using Bi3O4Br/TiO2 NB decreased TOC by 21 % demonstrating the potential of the catalyst in the practical applications.