Efficient adsorption and photocatalytic degradation of organic contaminants using TiO2/(Bi2O3/Bi2O2.33) nanotubes

TiO2 nanotubes decorated with Bi2O3/Bi2O2.33 nanosheets were prepared through a facile avenue that combines sacrifice template and hydrothermal methods. The TiO2 nanotube structure provided a large specific surface area, and the TiO2/(Bi2O3/Bi2O2.33) heterojunction broadened the light absorption range by reducing the bandgap to 2.746 eV. The TiO2/(Bi2O3/Bi2O2.33) heterostructure demonstrated high adsorption capability for methyl orange (100 mg/L) with a 70% adsorption rate after 60 min. The pho-tocatalytic performance of the TiO2/(Bi2O3/Bi2O2.33) heterostructure was evaluated through the degra-dation of rhodamine B (RhB) and tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH). The removal rates of RhB (10 mg/L) and high concentration TCH (50 mg/L) could reach 93% and 96% after 60 min and 120 min of light irradiation, respectively. Theoretical calculations showed that the TiO2/(Bi2O3/Bi2O2.33) structure enhanced photogenerated charge separation, leading to improved degradation of organic pollutants. This study provides a facile way for designing and creating heterostructural nanotubes with enhanced per-formance for removing organic pollutants. (c) 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.