CaFe2O4/Ag/ZnO z-scheme heterojunction material for photocatalytic decomposition of ciprofloxacin.

[Display omitted] • Z-type heterojunction CaFe 2 O 4 /Ag/ZnO composite was fabricated by a microwave-assisted hydrothermal method. • Ag doping can both reduce the band gap of ZnO and enhance its absorption of visible light. • Ag/ZnO forms a Z-type heterojunction with CaFe 2 O 4 , which can significantly promote photogenerated carrier separation. • The degradation effect of the CaFe 2 O 4 /Ag/ZnO on ciprofloxacin was significantly better than pure ZnO and CaFe 2 O 4. The Z-type heterojunction CaFe 2 O 4 /Ag/ZnO composite photocatalyst was successfully synthesized by the microwave-assisted hydrothermal methods. The photocatalytic activity of the CaFe 2 O 4 /Ag/ZnO was evaluated by the degradation of ciprofloxacin (CIP). The characterization results indicated that Ag doping can decrease the band gap (Eg) of ZnO and enhance its visible light absorption capacity. Ag/ZnO forms a Z-type heterojunction with CaFe 2 O 4 , which can significantly promote effective photogenerated carrier separation and enhance the visible light catalytic activity of the CaFe 2 O 4 /Ag/ZnO composite catalyst. It was observed that the degradation effect of the CaFe 2 O 4 /Ag/ZnO on CIP was significantly better than pure ZnO and CaFe 2 O 4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]