Visible-Light-Driven Z-Type Pg-C₃N₄/Nitrogen Doped Biochar/BiVO₄ Photo-Catalysts for the Degradation of Norfloxacin

Abstract

Antibiotics cannot be effectively removed by traditional wastewater treatment processes, and have become widespread pollutants in various environments. In this study, a Z-type heterojunction photo-catalyst Pg-C3N4 (PCN)/Nitrogen doped biochar (N-Biochar)/BiVO4 (NCBN) for the degradation of norfloxacin (NOR) was prepared by the hydrothermal method. The specific surface area of the NCBN (42.88 m2/g) was further improved compared to BiVO4 (4.528 m2/g). The photo-catalytic performance of the catalyst was investigated, and the N-Biochar acted as a charge transfer channel to promote carrier separation and form Z-type heterojunctions. Moreover, the NCBN exhibited excellent performance (92.5%) in removing NOR, which maintained 70% degradation after four cycles. The main active substance of the NCBN was •O2−, and the possible degradation pathways are provided. This work will provide a theoretical basis for the construction of heterojunction photo-catalysts.

Keywords

• Z-scheme heterojunction
• PCN/N-Biochar/BiVO₄
• photocatalysis
• norfloxacin