BixOyBrz-based composites for photocatalytic degradation of antibiotics: A review of synthesis method, modification, and factors affecting photodegradation

Abstract

The widespread use of antibiotics in industrial, agricultural, and medical practices has inevitably led to their presence in surface water, groundwater, and marine environments. Although typically found at low concentrations, antibiotics persist in these aquatic systems and resist natural degradation, posing significant ecological risks by potentially facilitating the proliferation of drug-resistant genes and bacteria. Photocatalytic technology offers a promising green approach for addressing this issue, effectively breaking down antibiotic molecules into low-toxicity or non-toxic small-molecule compounds. Among various photocatalysts, materials based on BiOBr or bismuth-rich bismuth oxybromides (BixOyBrz) have attracted increasing attention due to their suitable bandgap structures and abundant active sites. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the synthesis methods for BixOyBrz-based photocatalytic materials and discusses strategies for enhancing their catalytic performance. It also examines the key factors influencing the degradation efficiency of antibiotics by BixOyBrz composites. Furthermore, the review addresses current challenges related to the practical application of these photocatalysts and suggests potential directions for future research. This study aims to offer valuable insights for the development and optimization of BixOyBrz-based photocatalysts for removing antibiotics from wastewater, thereby contributing to the mitigation of growing global health risks.