Facile construction of a novel Bi12O15Cl6/NiFe2O4 heterojunction photocatalyst for enhancing photocatalytic activities and recyclability

A novel Bi12O15Cl6/NiFe2O4 (CN) photocatalyst with both recyclability and efficient photocatalytic performance was synthesized by the hydrothermal method and achieved practice value enhancement. The optimal composite was identified as Bi12O15Cl6 combined with 5 wt% NiFe2O4 (CN-5), exhibiting the capability to decompose 98.2% of RhB within 90 min. Remarkably, the photocatalytic activity remained above 90% even after 4 recycling cycles, and the magnetization saturation reached 2.6 emu/g, showcasing exceptional magnetic properties and photocatalytic stability. Meanwhile, characterization analysis proved successful compounding of NiFe2O4, and the specific surface area of CN-5 was slightly enhanced. The heterojunction structure generated by direct binding in CN-5 significantly reduced the photogenerated carrier complexation rate. Moreover, the photocatalytic mechanism indicated that the degradation of RhB followed the Z-type heterojunction mechanism, and photo-induced ·O2− played a pivotal role, followed by h+ and ·OH. In summary, the composite magnetic photocatalyst Bi12O15Cl6/NiFe2O4 could offer a promising alternative for wastewater purification.