Solvothermal synthesis of BiOBr photocatalyst with an assistant of PVP for visible-light-driven photocatalytic degradation of fluoroquinolone antibiotics

Preparation of bismuth oxybromide (BiOBr) photocatalyst via PVP-assisted solvothermal method has been demonstrated. The PVP capping agent plays an important role in controlling morphological structure, specific surface area and photoactivity. The PVP capped BiOBr provides 94 % and 99.8 % removal of ofloxacin (OFL) and norfloxacin (NOR) antibiotics under visible light illumination. The enhanced photoactivity of the PVP capped BiOBr is due to the flower-like microstructures with high surface area and the suppression of electron-hole pairs recombination at the interfaces. Photogenerated hole and electron play the key role in degradation of the antibiotics. The photocatalyst retains its efficiency after the fifth run indicating structural stability and reusability. The prepared PVP capped BiOBr photocatalyst shows high potential for environmental protection. The present finding offers a new avenue for fabrication of the visible-light-responsive catalyst for detoxification of antibiotics in wastewater.