Flower-like direct Z-scheme WS2/Bi2O2CO3 photocatalyst with enhanced photocatalytic activity

Novel flower-like direct Z-scheme WS2/Bi2O2CO3 photocatalyst was fabricated via a one-pot hydrothermal method. The structure, morphology, together with the optical and photoelectrochemical properties of the photocatalysts were analyzed by various techniques. The flower-like WS2/Bi2O2CO3 photocatalyst exhibited efficient removal of Lanasol Red 5B, with rate constants of 1.85 and 3.23 times higher than that of Bi2O2CO3 under UV and simulated solar irradiation, respectively. Additionally, the flower-like WS2/Bi2O2CO3 photocatalyst exhibited 95% ciprofloxacin removal efficiency within 90 min. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of optimal WS2/Bi2O2CO3 could be attributed to the synergistic effect of the effective photoinduced charge carrier separation and transfer, the enhanced light harvesting ability and larger specific surface area. Furthermore, the active species trapping and ESR experiments indicated that hole (h+), superoxide radical (•O2−) and hydroxyl radical (•OH) were main reactive species in the photocatalytic process. The WS2/Bi2O2CO3 heterojunction was speculated to follow a Z-scheme charge transfer mechanism. This facile method provides new possibilities for the fabrication of effective Bi2O2CO3-based photocatalysts for environmental remediation. [Display omitted] •Flower-like WS2/Bi2O2CO3 photocatalyst are prepared without surfactant assistance.•A direct Z-scheme photocatalytic mechanism is systematically explored.•Fast charge separation and wide light absorption result in enhanced activity.