Solvothermal synthesis of biochar@ZnFe2O4/BiOBr Z-scheme heterojunction for efficient photocatalytic ciprofloxacin degradation under visible light

A novel polyvinylpyrrolidone biochar@ZnFe2O4/BiOBr heterojunction photocatalyst was successfully prepared by solvothermal method using ethylene glycol as solvent and characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, transient photocurrent responses, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Ciprofloxacin (CIP) was selected as a target pollutant to study the photocatalytic performance of the biochar@ZnFe2O4/BiOBr photocatalyst under visible light irradiation (lambda > 420 nm). Results showed that the biochar@ZnFe2O4/BiOBr exhibited better degradation properties for CIP degradation than those of pure BiOBr and BiOBr/ZnFe2O4 composites. The improved photocatalytic performance may be due to the good absorption properties of biochar, effective photogenerated carrier separation, and prolongation of recombination time caused by the ZnFe2O4/BiOBr heterojunction. Novel: Here we fabricate a novel biochar@ZnFe2O4/BiOBr Heterostructure for Ciprofloxacin(CIP) degradation under visible light. The BiOBr and ZnFe2O4 served as heterojunction, which could significantly promote the separation and migration of photo-induced electron-hole pairs. The morphology and photoelectrochemical properties of photocatalysts were explored in detail. The Biochar@ZnFe2O4/BiOBr exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity for CIP degradation. Based on the free radical capture experiment. The main reactive species involved in the degradation process were identified and Inferring the possible photocatalytic mechanism. This study affords a new reference for fabricating highly efficient photocatalysts with synergistic effect and amazing capacity for practical wastewater treatment.