Layered bismuthene forming the interfacial pathway for rapid charge transfer in CuNb13O33/g-C3N5 photocatalyst for enhancing ciprofloxacin degradation

Abstract

The objective of the present research was to examine the usefulness of the photocatalytic degradation process in removing the ciprofloxacin drug from wastewater, which is difficult to remove from waterbodies. To tackle this difficulty, a ternary copper niobium oxide/carbon nitride/layered bismuthene heterostructure (CuNb₁₃O₃₃/g-C₃N₅-L-Bi) composite was developed by an intuitive solvothermal process. layered bismuthene (L-Bi) was prepared using a unique ball milling approach. According to the results of the characterization, adding L-Bi and g-C₃N₅ with a low band gap to the original band structure of CuNb₁₃O₃₃ makes it more efficient. After 120 min of irradiation, the modified CuNb₁₃O₃₃/g-C₃N₅-L-Bi sample significantly improved ciprofloxacin degradation, resulting in a degradation rate of 98 %. In addition, the impact of the catalyst that has been created on the removal of ciprofloxacin at various pH, catalyst dosages, and scavengers was also examined, demonstrating the catalyst’s suitability for purifying natural water environments. A detailed study of the steps used to break down ciprofloxacin has shown that many active species are involved, with a focus on the important roles played by reactive oxidative species (ROS). Thus, this study introduces a novel combination of layered bismuthene photocatalysts for environmentally friendly degradation of antibiotics.