Designing manganese-doped Bi/Bi2O2CO3 microspheres for improved visible-light-induced degradation

Manganese was doped on the microspheres of Bi self-doped Bi₂O₂CO₃ (Bi/BOC) nanosheets by one-step hydrothermal method. A comprehensive analysis was performed on the crystal structure, morphology, electrochemical behavior, and light absorption characteristics of the samples. The photocatalytic activity of Bi/BOC-Mn2 showed notable improvement, leading to a substantial increase in the ciprofloxacin (CIP) degradation rate. Under visible light exposure, CIP degradation reached 93.43 %. The boost in photocatalytic performance arises from the enhanced separation of charge carriers and a broader spectrum of light absorption. Additionally, the photocatalytic mechanism of CIP was investigated through active material capture experiments, identifying superoxide radicals (•O₂⁻), electron e^– and holes (h⁺) as key reactive species. This study presents an innovative strategy for developing efficient photocatalysts to break down organic pollutants.