Facile synthesis and enhanced photocatalytic activity of a novel FeVO4/Bi4O5Br2 heterojunction photocatalyst through step-scheme charge transfer mechanism

Construction of a step-scheme (S-scheme) heterojunction photocatalyst is currently under investigation as it known to facilitate decrease in the e–/h+ recombination rate and preserves strong redox ability. This research work has reported on use microwave irradiation combined with wet impregnation synthesis FeVO4/Bi4O5Br2 heterojunctions at different weight percentages (%wt) FeVO4 (0.5%, 1%, 3% 5%wt). The visible-light-driven photocatalytic activities for photoreduction Cr(VI), decontamination certain organic pollutants (bisphenol A; BPA, rhodamine B; RhB, tetracycline hydrochloride; TC) were also investigated. Ethylene glycol that was used reaction medium process played key role formation control flower-like structure bismuth-rich Bi4O5Br2. Among photocatalysts, 1%wt markedly maximized activity. Specifically, 95% Cr(VI) reduced by reduction 6.0 times higher than Similarly, this able degrade 90%, 97%, 88% TC degradation rates 2.0, 1.2, 1.6 Bi4O5Br2, respectively. Trapping experiments indicated •O2? h+ main active species responsible pollutant degradation, while •OH minor process. These outcomes confirmed nitrotetrazolium blue transformation method terephthalic acid photoluminescence probing technique. Enhancement photo-activity 1%wt-FeVO4/Bi4O5Br2 attributed extended visible-light absorption range well efficient generation, separation, migration photo-generated charge carriers through S-scheme transfer mechanism which supported results from trapping experiments, XPS UV–vis DRS analyses, Ag PbO2 photo-deposition electrochemical studies, along consideration potentials reactive oxygen species.