Development of efficient and economic Bi2O3/BN/Co3O4 composite photocatalyst: Degradation mechanism, pathway and toxicity study of norfloxacin.

The production of cheap, efficient, and stable photocatalysts for degrading antibiotic contaminants remains challenging. Herein, Bi 2 O 3 /boron nitride (BN)/Co 3 O 4 ternary composites were synthesized using the impregnation method. The morphological characteristics, structural features, and photochemical properties of the prepared photocatalysts were investigated via X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and ultraviolet–visible (Vis) diffuse reflectance spectrum techniques. BN was used as a charge transfer bridge in the ternary composites, which afforded a heterojunction between the two semiconductors. The formation of the heterojunction substantially enhanced the charge separation and improved the photocatalyst performance. The degradation activity of the Bi 2 O 3 /BN/Co 3 O 4 ternary composites against norfloxacin (NOR) under Vis light irradiation was investigated. The degradation rate of NOR using 5-wt% Bi 2 O 3 /BN/Co 3 O 4 reached 98% in 180 min, indicating excellent photocatalytic performance. The ternary composites also exhibited high photostability with a degradation efficiency of 88.4% after five cycles. Hydroxyl radicals (•OH), superoxide radicals (•O 2 −), and holes (h+) played a synergistic role in the photocatalytic reaction, where h+ and •O 2 − were more important than •OH. Consequently, seven intermediates and major photocatalytic degradation pathways were identified. Toxicity experiments showed that the toxicity of the degradation solution to Chlorella pyrenoidosa decreased. Finally, the ecotoxicity of NOR and its intermediates were analyzed using the Toxicity Estimation Software Tool, with most intermediates exhibiting low toxicity. [Display omitted] • Novel Bi 2 O 3 /BN/Co 3 O 4 ternary composite photocatalytic materials synthesized by impregnation method. • High photocatalytic activity of Bi 2 O 3 /BN/Co 3 O 4 for the degradation of norfloxacin. • The photocatalytic mechanism of BN/Bi 2 O 3 /Co 3 O 4 system was introduced. • Degradation pathways and intermediate toxicity of norfloxacin were studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]