Fabrication of the flower-like Z-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst Bi–BiOI/UiO 66 for enhanced photodegradation of acetaminophen in simulated wastewater.

Acetaminophen is a representative contaminant of emerging persistent organic pollutants that can cause environmental problems when it enters municipal wastewater. An innovative flower-like Z-scheme photocatalyst Bi–BiOI/UiO 66 heterojunction composite was designed and constructed via a one-step solvothermal method. Investigations demonstrated that the Z-scheme structure strongly contributes to increasing the degradation efficiency of micropollutants. The results indicate that the bandgap energy (E g) of the Bi–BiOI/UiO 66 composite decreases significantly from 3.22 eV to 2.43 eV, in comparison with that of pure copper-based UiO 66. Under suitable conditions (5 mg/L Ace, pH 3, 0.05 g/L), the organic pollutants in the water can be removed completely. A k value of 5.67 × 10−2 min−1 for the Bi–BiOI/UiO 66 heterojunction composite was found to effectively represent the acetaminophen photodegradation process. The reaction mechanism of acetamide in aqueous solution is also discussed. The Bi in Bi–BiOI can use surface plasmon resonance to form an electric field and accelerate the separation of photogenerated electrons and holes. This study highlights the potential of a novel photocatalyst for practical application. [Display omitted] • The UiO 66 particles grew in flower-like slits of Bi–BiOI surface. • The reduction in E g from 3.22 eV to 2.43 eV was obtained for Bi–BiOI/UiO-66 as compared to pure UiO 66. • The Ace in wastewater were completely removed and the structure of Bi–BiOI/UiO-66 was well reserved to recycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]