Ce-doped BiFeO3 as a photocatalyst to enhance photo-Fenton degradation of tetracycline

In this study, Ce-doped BiFeO3 precursors were synthesized by the sol-gel method, and then Ce-doped BiFeO3 (BCFO) was obtained by high-temperature calcination. Ce doping was found to reduce the band gap of BiFeO3, facilitate the separation of photogenerated electrons (e-) and holes (h+), and enhance the photocatalytic performance of BiFeO3. After Ce doping, the photocurrent density and impedance of BiFeO3 increased significantly. Meanwhile, the saturation magnetization of the material strengthened. The catalytic performance of BCFO was evaluated by the degradation of tetracycline (TC) under visible light irradiation. BCFO-7 (7% Ce doping) was an efficient catalyst in that 97% of TC was degraded in 120 min with the addition of 1 Mm H2O2. The analysis of the intermediate product species and its toxicity indicated that BCFO-7 had an excellent detoxification effect on TC. The photocatalytic process of BCFO-7 was stable, maintaining an 88% degradation efficiency after 5 cycles.