Binary visible-light-triggered ZnO/Bi4O5Br2 photocatalysts with n-n heterojunction: Simple fabrication and impressively activation of peroxodisulfate ions for degradation of tetracycline

Recently, a great deal of attention has been devoted for introducing new arrays of heterogeneous photocatalysts using various semiconductors to address environmental and energy crises. In the present study, we combined ZnO with Bi4O5Br2 via a hydrothermal route, which showed a substantial ability to activate peroxodisulfate (PDS). The structure, morphology, optical, electrochemical, and surface properties of the photocatalysts were studied through various characterization analyses. To assess the photocatalytic activity of the sample, a series of experiments were designed where tetracycline and three organic pollutants were subjected to degradation in the ZnO/Bi4O5Br2/PDS/Vis system. The outcomes revealed that the ZnO/Bi4O5Br2 (20%) photocatalyst worked about 9.36, 5.78, and 5.11 times faster than ZnO, peroxodisulfate/Vis, and ZnO/PDS systems, respectively. The tremendous promoted activity was relevant to the impressively segregation of charges through n-n heterojunction construction, synergistic impact of PDS ions, extended surface area, and diminished charge transfer resistance.