Interfacial engineering of Bi3.64Mo0.36O6.55/Ti3C2 Schottky junctions based on work function for efficient photoexcitation-assisted degradation of antibiotics

Abstract

The efficient removal of tetracycline (TC) while minimizing the formation of toxic intermediates remains a significant challenge. In this study, an interfacial Schottky junction of Bi_3.64Mo_0.36O_6.55/Ti₃C₂(BMT) was designed, generated by the contact potential difference between Ti₃C₂ and Bi_3.64Mo_0.36O_6.55 (BMO). The induction of work function and Fermi energy level was observed to generate a localized electrophilic/nucleophilic region that promotes the formation of free radicals. Self-driven charge transfer across the interface was found to increase the localized electron density on Ti₃C₂, while the formation of Schottky barriers was observed to inhibit electron return and facilitate charge transfer and separation. The photocatalytic activity of BMT-5 under visible and near-infrared light radiation was significantly enhanced, resulting in an increased free radical content, which was identified using the probe method. With the assistance of LSPR and oxygen vacancies, BMT-5 achieved a removal efficiency of 99% for tetracycline within 15 minutes, with a substantial reduction in the toxicity of the resulting intermediates. This study offers an innovative strategy for constructing electronic bridges in Schottky photocatalysts to enhance photocatalytic activity.