Construction of a magnetic Z-scheme photocatalyst with enhanced oxidation/reduction abilities and recyclability for the degradation of tetracycline

Here, we successfully designed and prepared the magnetic recyclable Z-scheme photocatalyst WO3/Fe3O4/g-C3N4 for the first time. The structures, morphology and photocatalytic properties of as-prepared photocatalysts were characterized by a series of modern characterization methods. According to the photoluminescence, transient fluorescence, transient photocurrent and electrochemical impedance spectra, the introduction of Fe3O4, with its high conductivity, into WO3/Fe3O4/g-C3N4 enhanced the lifetime of photogenerated holes and electrons based on the Z-scheme charge carrier transfer mechanism. More importantly, WO3/Fe3O4/g-C3N4 showed good recyclability without loss of apparent photocatalytic activity even after five cycles. Therefore, this kind of material may be a promising candidate for applications in the fields of environmental protection and sewage treatment.