Cu2O/Bi2MoO6 Z-type heterojunction: Construction and photocatalytic degradation properties

A series of Cu2O/Bi2MoO6 photocatalysts with Z-type heterojunction were prepared by hydrothermal method. The morphology, structural properties, and photoelectrochemical properties of the catalyst were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy, UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy, etc. The photocatalytic properties were investigated by tetracycline (TC) degradation. The experimental results showed that the photocatalytic performance of the composite was enhanced by adding Cu2O. Among them, 20% Cu2O/Bi2MoO6 composite (The mass ratio of Cu2O and Bi2MoO6 was 20%.) exhibited the best degradation efficiency and 95% of TC was degraded within 100 min. The possible mechanism of photocatalytic degradation of TC by the Cu2O/Bi2MoO6 composite was analyzed through free radical capture experiments and band structure analysis. The absorption of visible light is enhanced by the synergistic effect between Cu2O and Bi2MoO6 and the transfer pathway of electrons is changed by the constructed Z-type heterojunction. Thus, the separation efficiency of the electron-hole is improved and the photocatalytic activity is enhanced significantly.