Enhanced photocatalytic performance of Bi2MoO6 via strain engineering through collaborative optimization of indium doping and oxygen vacancies

Investigating lattice strain manipulation as an emerging strategy for improved photocatalysis, we introduce lattice strain into Bi2MoO6 nanosheets through synergistic indium doping and oxygen vacancies (OVs). Structural analysis reveals distinct compressive and tensile effects induced by indium doping and OVs, respectively, leading to localized lattice strain intensification. The optimized photocatalyst displays significantly enhanced tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, oxytetracycline, and norfloxacin removal activity due to increased active sites and improved charge carrier separation efficiency induced by lattice strain. Elucidation of tetracycline cleavage pathways and assessment of intermediate molecule toxicity are presented. This collaborative approach, merging doping and OVs for lattice strain induction, provides crucial insights for advancing bismuth-based photocatalysts. [Display omitted] •Indium-doped Bi2MoO6 with oxygen vacancies was constructed.•Oxygen vacancies and doping synergistically induced magnified lattice strain.•Lattice strain enhanced carrier separation and photocatalytic performance.