Facile synthesis of AgIO3/BiOIO3 Z-scheme binary heterojunction with enhanced photocatalytic performance for diverse persistent organic pollutants degradation

Constructing heterojunction is an effective approach to promote the separation of photogenerated charge carriers and improve the photocatalytic activity of semiconductor photocatalysts. In this work, a novel AgIO3/BiOIO3 Z-scheme binary heterojunction was successfully fabricated by using layered BiOIO3 nanosheets as supporting framework followed by in-situ growth of AgIO3 on the surface of BiOIO3 nanosheets. The physicochemical properties of AgIO3/BiOIO3 heterojunction composite were investigated by various analytical techniques. The AgIO3/BiOIO3 binary heterojunction composite displayed universal photocatalytic performance for decomposition of diverse persistent organic contaminants, including 2-sec-butyl-4,6-dinitrophenol (DNBP), phenol, bisphenol A (BPA), rhodamine B (RhB), and methyl orange (MO). The enhanced photodegradation activity of AgIO3/BiOIO3 Z-scheme binary heterojunction was attributed to the intimate contact interface and well-matched band structure between BiOIO3 and AgIO3, which can not only facilitate the separation and transfer of photoinduced charge carriers but also maintain high redox reaction capacity, thus promoting the formation of •O2− and h+ as dominant active species for decomposition of organic pollutants. The structural stability of the synthetic AgIO3/BiOIO3 Z-scheme binary heterojunction during photoreaction verifies its capability for utilization of solar energy and efficient environmental purification, which may open up new avenues for the destruction of persistent organic contaminants.