Efficient adsorption and photocatalytic degradation of organic contaminants using TiO2/(Bi2O3/Bi2O2.33) nanotubes

TiO 2 nanotubes decorated with Bi 2 O 3 /Bi 2 O 2.33 nanosheets were prepared through a facile avenue that combines sacrifice template and hydrothermal methods . The TiO 2 nanotube structure provided a large specific surface area, and the TiO 2 /(Bi 2 O 3 /Bi 2 O 2.33 ) heterojunction broadened the light absorption range by reducing the bandgap to 2.746 eV. The TiO 2 /(Bi 2 O 3 /Bi 2 O 2.33 ) heterostructure demonstrated high adsorption capability for methyl orange (100 mg/L) with a 70% adsorption rate after 60 min. The photocatalytic performance of the TiO 2 /(Bi 2 O 3 /Bi 2 O 2.33 ) heterostructure was evaluated through the degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) and tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH). The removal rates of RhB (10 mg/L) and high concentration TCH (50 mg/L) could reach 93% and 96% after 60 min and 120 min of light irradiation, respectively. Theoretical calculations showed that the TiO 2 /(Bi 2 O 3 /Bi 2 O 2.33 ) structure enhanced photogenerated charge separation, leading to improved degradation of organic pollutants. This study provides a facile way for designing and creating heterostructural nanotubes with enhanced performance for removing organic pollutants.