Bismuth doped g-C3N4 composites for enhanced photocatalytic degradation of ciprofloxacin

There is an increase in presence of various contaminants particularly related to antibiotics in the water sources affecting the environment. This study focusses on designing and development of innovative bismuth doped g-C₃N₄ for photocatalytic degradation of ciprofloxacin. Diverse Bi doped g-C₃N₄ catalysts, with metal loadings ranging from (0.5 – 2 wt%), were synthesized and characterized using advanced techniques. The introduction of Bi doped g-C₃N₄ drastically lowered the bandgap, with the introduction of Bi loadings. A highest ∼79% degradation was observed in 60 min using 1 wt% Bi doped g-C₃N₄, drastically outperforming bare g-C₃N₄ (∼63%). Kinetic studies were carried in the temperature range of (10 – 25°C), revealing an activation energy of 23.1 kJ/mol. Scavenging tests were carried with different additives (EDTA, IPA, AgNO₃), among these lowest degradation (∼45%) was observed with EDTA which confirms that the h⁺ species controlling the degradation mechanism. Overall, this study reveals an improved photocatalytic activity attributed to better charge transfer and synergetic effects among Bi and g-C₃N_4, demonstrating the potential for pollutant removal present in wastewater.