Design and synthesis of Fe2WO6/Eu-doped BiOBr nanocomposite: A novel 0D/2D Z-scheme heterojunction system for simultaneous boosted visible-light driven photocatalytic bisphenol A degradation and Cr(VI) reduction

Increasing flux of noxious organics and heavy metals emitted by industrial effluents into surface water bodies have been terrifying the ecology in recent years. Herein, we have designed new Z-scheme 0D/2D Fe2WO6/Eu-doped BiOBr (FW/Eu-BOB) nanocomposites for efficient simultaneous visible light decomposition of two endocrine disruptors, namely bisphenol A (BPA) and hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)). The successful nanocomposite fabrication was validated via crystallography and spectroscopic analyses, whereas the morphologic traits were testified via microscopy studies. Compared to single-phase component samples, 15-FW/2Eu-BOB nanocomposite displayed enhanced photoactivity, which completely eradicated both BPA and Cr(VI) after 50 min of visible light irradiation. The ameliorated photoactivity was ascribed to the Z-scheme electron transfer between FW and Eu-BOB, and its expedition of charge separation was proven by optoelectronic analyses. Furthermore, the 15-FW/2Eu-BOB nanocomposite showed good adaptability in a broad pH range, resistance to co-existing interfering substances and great durability after multiple runs. The real-world viability of 15-FW/2Eu-BOB photocatalysis was also tested via the real printed ink effluent-containing BPA and Cr(VI) treatment. Moreover, the phytotoxicity tests presented that the photocatalytically treated effluent promoted the germination of Vigna unguiculata which shown its environmentally friendly for practical uses. The hydroxyl radical and photogenerated electron were proven to be dominant reactive species in photocatalytic reaction. This study offers a new insight for designing highly efficient visible light-active photocatalysts toward eradicating multifarious pollutants in effluent.