S-scheme heterojunction Cu2V2O7/α-Fe2O3 nanosheets with effective photocatalytic activity toward organic pollutant degradation

Photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants is a highly promising technology. Here, we design a novel Cu2V2O7/α-Fe2O3 S-scheme heterostructure by a one-step solvothermal method, which is inexpensive, easily accessible, highly solar-light efficient, and environmentally friendly. XPS demonstrates the strong interaction between Cu2V2O7 and α-Fe2O3, and the photoelectricity test verifies the significant enhancement of electrical properties by the heterostructure. DFT calculations illustrate the formation of the solid built-in electric field. The construction of S-scheme heterojunction is confirmed by differential charge density, and the catalytic mechanism is determined. The efficient degradation performance of the new heterojunction was experimentally demonstrated using methylene blue (MB) and tetracycline hydrochloride (TC) as typical organic pollutants. In the study, the β-Cu2V2O7 exhibited better dye adsorption ability, proving its photocatalytic degradation potential. Meanwhile, our study provides new insights into S-scheme heterojunctions and visible light-responsive composites.