Room Temperature Synthesis of BiOI/Bi5O7I p–n Heterojunction with Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity for 17α‐Ethynylestradiol.

Abstract: A p‐n heterojunction photocatalyst BiOI/Bi₅O₇I has been synthesized via a mixed solvent method at room temperature. The physical and chemical properties of as‐prepared composites were characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, XPS, UV‐vis DRS, BET and PL. The photocatalytic performance of BiOI/Bi₅O₇I composite was evaluated by the photocatalytic decomposition of 17α‐ethinylestradiol (EE2) under visible light irradiation. The results revealed that the BiOI/Bi₅O₇I composite showed enhanced photocatalytic activity compared to pure BiOI and pure Bi₅O₇I. The mass ratio of BiOI/Bi₅O₇I and effect of pH value for photocatalytic activity of BiOI/Bi₅O₇I composite were investigated. Moreover, the photocatalytic mechanism of the degradation process was thoroughly elucidated. The enhanced photocatalytic performance of the BiOI/Bi₅O₇I composite should be attributed to fabrication of BiOI/Bi₅O₇I p‐n heterojunction, which was responsible for efficient separation and transfer of electron‐hole pairs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]