Visible-light-driven Ag/Bi3O4Cl nanocomposite photocatalyst with enhanced photocatalytic activity for degradation of tetracycline

In this study, a novel Ag/Bi3O4Cl photocatalyst has been synthesized by a facile photodeposition process. Its photocatalytic performance was evaluated from the degradation of tetracycline (TC) under visible light irradiation (lambda > 420 nm). The 1.0 wt% Ag/Bi3O4Cl photocatalyst could significantly enhance the degradation of TC compared with pure Bi3O4Cl, with the degradation level reaching 94.2% in 120 minutes. The enhancement of photocatalytic activity could be attributed to the synergetic effect of the photogenerated electrons (e(-)) of Bi3O4Cl and the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) caused by Ag nanoparticles, which could improve the absorption capacity of visible light and facilitate the separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs. In addition, electron spin resonance (ESR) analysis and trapping experiments demonstrated that the superoxide radicals (center dot O2-), hydroxyl radicals (center dot OH) and holes (h(+)) played crucial roles in the photocatalytic process of TC degradation. The present work provides a promising approach for the development of highly efficient photocatalysts to address current environmental pollution, energy issues and other related areas.