Photocatalytic degradation of antibacterials using BixOyXz with optimized morphologies and adjusted structures-A review

Bismuth-rich oxyhalides (BixOyXz; X = Cl, Br and I) with optimized morphologies and structures have exhibited prominent photocatalytic activity for the removal of some antibacterials. So far, the antibacterials that have been efficiently degraded by BixOyXz, belong to tetracycline, fluoroquinolone, sulfonamide, metronidazole and chloramphenicol. In this review, degradation mechanisms are summarized based on the significant effect of optimized morphologies and adjusted structures on the production and utilization rate of photogenerated carriers. Corresponding improvements of specific surface area, porosity and surface affinity are underlined. Constructions of binary and ternary heterostructures on the basis of 1D, 2D and 3D BixOyXz, nanostructures are highlighted. Beneficial intimate interfaces, surface defects, band structure and facet exposure are emphasized. Expanding target pollutant to other categories of antibacterials and further improving photocatalytic activities of BixOyXz can pave the way for treating real wastewater containing antibacterials residues. In order to assess the practicability of BixOyXz we need to pay great attention to the essentials of antibacterials composition, water matrix, reaction environment and extension of light-response range. Mixture solutions of several antibacterials with the ratio similar to the formulation in practically treating infections might be the preferred target pollutants in future research. We hope this review will be helpful for scientific community to employ BixOyXz photocatalysts with competitive activities for removing antibacterials residues in aqueous environments. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.