Inorganic-organic hybrid copper phthalocyanine-BiOX (X= Cl, Br) photocatalyst for efficient MO and CIP degradation using visible light

Through a meticulously designed two-step solvothermal method, we have successfully synthesized an innovative organic-inorganic heterostructured composite material, CuTNPc (2, 9, 16, 23-tetranitrophthalocyanine copper)/ BiOX (bismuth oxyhalide, X = Cl, Br). This groundbreaking achievement seamlessly integrates the exceptional light absorption properties of the organic semiconductor CuTNPc with the stable structural advantages of the inorganic semiconductor BiOX, realizing a synergistic enhancement in photocatalytic performance. Compared to standalone BiOX samples, the CuTNPc/BiOX heterostructure exhibits significantly improved photocatalytic performance in the visible and even near-infrared light regions, particularly outstanding in the photodegradation of organic pollutants such as methyl orange. As a highly efficient organic photosensitizer, CuTNPc's unique molecular structure endows the composite material with robust light absorption capabilities in the red and nearinfrared spectral regions. This characteristic enables the CuTNPc/BiOX heterostructure to capture and utilize light energy from a broader spectral range, broadening the active window for photocatalysis and achieving a significant enhancement in overall photocatalytic activity. Furthermore, the charge transfer processes at the heterojunction interface may also induce local electric field effects, further accelerating the photochemical reaction kinetics at the interface and enhancing the degradation rate of target pollutants.