Construction of CuO/BiVO4 S-scheme heterojunction with improved carrier separation for efficient piezo-photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline

This investigation aimed to enhance the efficacy of piezo-photocatalysts for the degradation of tetracycline by introducing an S-scheme heterojunction through the synthesis of CuO/BiVO₄ composites. Various ratios of these composites were precisely prepared through the oil bath precursor method. The optimal ratio, designated as CBVO-0.10, exhibited a notable enhancement, achieving a reaction rate constant (k) of 0.045 min⁻¹. This value represented a 1.4-fold increase compared to monolithic BiVO₄ under combined light and ultrasound irradiation. Charge transfer characterizations provided clarification regarding the S-scheme mechanism in the catalytic process. This piezo-photocatalytic activity enhancement was attributed to the S-scheme and the piezoelectric internal electric field. This work presented an effective strategy for the design of efficient heterojunction piezo-photocatalysts for water pollution degradation, highlighting a promising approach for advancing efficient piezo-photocatalysts, with substantial implications for environmental remediation, particularly in the context of pollutant abatement.