Synergistic Photocatalytic Remediation Using Heterostructure Fe2O3/BiVO4 Composites: A Sustainable Solution

Abstract

This study presents the novel development of heterostructure Fe₂O₃/BiVO₄ composites as efficient photocatalysts, specifically utilizing a 20-W UV-A lamp for low-energy, sustainable environmental remediation. The combination of Fe₂O₃ and BiVO₄ produces a composite with enhanced photocatalytic performance through synergistic interactions. The composites were synthesized through a hydrothermal process with varied Fe ratios, followed by calcination. Characterization techniques, including XRD, SEM, TEM, EDS, XPS, BET surface area analysis, UV-DRS, and PL, confirmed composite formation, optimal particle dispersion, and improved surface properties. UV-DRS showed visible light absorption (bandgap energies: 2.27–2.47 eV), and PL confirmed effective charge separation critical for photocatalysis. Under low-power UV-A irradiation, the composite achieved 98.74% degradation of methylene blue (MB) with a rate constant of 0.0270 min⁻¹, outperforming the individual Fe₂O₃ and BiVO₄ components. This work demonstrates the potential of heterostructure Fe₂O₃/BiVO₄ composites as eco-friendly, high-efficiency photocatalysts, offering a sustainable approach to environmental cleanup and advancing the application of low-energy photocatalytic systems in broader photocatalysis fields.