Facile construction of a novel Bi12O15Cl6/NiFe2O4 heterojunction photocatalyst for enhancing photocatalytic activities and recyclability.

A novel Bi 12 O 15 Cl 6 /NiFe 2 O 4 (CN) photocatalyst with both recyclability and efficient photocatalytic performance was synthesized by the hydrothermal method and achieved practice value enhancement. The optimal composite was identified as Bi 12 O 15 Cl 6 combined with 5 wt% NiFe 2 O 4 (CN-5), exhibiting the capability to decompose 98.2% of RhB within 90 min. Remarkably, the photocatalytic activity remained above 90% even after 4 recycling cycles, and the magnetization saturation reached 2.6 emu/g, showcasing exceptional magnetic properties and photocatalytic stability. Meanwhile, characterization analysis proved successful compounding of NiFe 2 O 4 , and the specific surface area of CN-5 was slightly enhanced. The heterojunction structure generated by direct binding in CN-5 significantly reduced the photogenerated carrier complexation rate. Moreover, the photocatalytic mechanism indicated that the degradation of RhB followed the Z-type heterojunction mechanism, and photo-induced ·O 2 − played a pivotal role, followed by h+ and ·OH. In summary, the composite magnetic photocatalyst Bi 12 O 15 Cl 6 /NiFe 2 O 4 could offer a promising alternative for wastewater purification. • Novel magnetic composite Bi 12 O 15 Cl 6 /NiFe 2 O 4 displayed remarkable photocatalytic properties. • Bi 12 O 15 Cl 6 /NiFe 2 O 4 offers economic viability and environmental sustainability. • A Z-type heterojunction was generated directly between Bi 12 O 15 Cl 6 and NiFe 2 O 4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]