Photocatalytic degradation performance of the novel ZnMoO4/Bi2S3 composite material for ciprofloxacin

Abstract

This article reports the successful synthesis of a novel photocatalytic composite material, ZnMoO₄/Bi₂S_3, using a hydrothermal method. The optimal 15% ZnMoO₄/Bi₂S₃ was highly efficient for antibiotic ciprofloxacin (CIP) decomposition under UV light illumination, which was much more remarkable than the pristine ZnMoO₄ and Bi₂S₃, respectively. The results revealed that the introduction of ZnMoO₄ on the surface of Bi₂S₃ could broaden the light absorption range and boost the separation of photoinduced charge carriers to promote photocatalysis efficiency. In addition, the factors influencing the initial pH, catalyst dosage, CIP concentration, and various co-existing factors on the CIP degradation removal performance of 15% ZnMoO₄/Bi₂S₃ were investigated. After four runs of adsorption–photodegradation towards CIP, 15% ZnMoO₄/Bi₂S₃ still exhibited superior reduction activity and reusability. A possible photodegradation mechanism of degradation of CIP over 15% ZnMoO₄/Bi₂S₃ was proposed and clarified through the electrochemical tests, XPS determination and active species trapping experiments. This study not only prepared an efficient photocatalyst but also further demonstrated the effectiveness of photocatalytic technology in antibiotic wastewater treatment.