Integration of Plasmonic Effect and S-Scheme Heterojunction into Ag/Ag3PO4/C3N5 Photocatalyst for Boosted Photocatalytic Levofloxacin Degradation

Abstract

The escalating presence of pharmaceutical antibiotics in natural water poses an overwhelming threat to the sustainable development of society. Photocatalysis technology stands out as a promising and cutting-edge environmental purification alternative. C₃N₅, identified as a distinctive nonprecious nonmetal photocatalyst, holds potential for environmental protection. However, challenges persist originating from the sluggish photoreaction kinetics and severe photo-carrier reunion. Currently, the design of a special S-scheme photosystem proves to be a reliable strategy for obtaining outstanding photocatalysts. In this context, a plasmonic S-scheme photosystem involving Ag/Ag₃PO₄/C₃N₅ was developed through a feasible route. The compactly connected 0D/0D/2D Ag/Ag₃PO₄/C₃N₅ heterostructure, benefitting from the synergy between the plasmonic effect and the S-scheme junction, facilitates the efficient utilization of appreciably reinforced sunlight absorption, effective photo-carrier disassociation, and notable photoredox capacity. Consequently, this system generates •OH and $\cdot {\text{O}}_{\text{2}}^{-}$ effectively. Ag/Ag₃PO₄/C₃N₅ demonstrates a superb photocatalytic levofloxacin eradication rate of 0.0362 min⁻¹, marking a substantial advancement of 24.8, 1.1, and 0.7 folds compared to C₃N₅, Ag₃PO₄, and Ag₃PO₄/C₃N₅, respectively. Impressively, Ag/Ag₃PO₄/C₃N₅ delivers remarkable anti-interference performance and reusability. This achievement signifies a significant step toward developing potent C₃N₅-involved photosystems for environmental purification.

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