Construction highly efficient p–n heterojunctions composite of BiBaO3 and Ag3PO4 for visible light driven photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline and oxytetracycline

Abstract

A novel p–n heterojunctions composite of BiBaO₃ and Ag₃PO₄ were synthesized to significantly enhance the degradation efficiency of antibiotic wastewater. Through compositional analysis, micron-sized BiBaO₃ particles were combined with nano-sized Ag₃PO₄ particles, resulting in a composite (Ag/0.75Bi) with excellent visible light absorption properties. Moreover, the photocatalytic efficiency was evaluated for Tetracycline and Oxytetracycline degradation, demonstrating remarkable degradation efficiencies. Under visible light irradiation, pollutants were degraded almost completely within 40 min, while the composite photocatalysts exhibited acceptable stability. The photocatalyst mechanism was investigated by conducting photoelectric effect, free radical capturing, and detection experiments. The p-type BiBaO₃ and n-type Ag₃PO₄ compound facilitated the transfer of photogenerated electrons and holes, reducing their recombination probability and improving photocatalytic efficiencies. Furthermore, hydroxyl and superoxide radicals played a crucial role in the photodegradation of pollutants. Overall, this study provides novel insights into the development of composite catalyst for the photocatalytic degradation of antibiotic wastewater.