Constructing Nb2O5/Co3O4 microflowers with p-n heterojunction structure for visible-light-induced degradation of norfloxacin

Nb 2 O 5 based photocatalysts have garnered significant attention in the field of antibiotic photodegradation due to their potential. Enhancing the efficiency of carrier separation efficiency still remains a crucial factor for optimizing photocatalytic performance. Herein, a Nb 2 O 5 /Co 3 O 4 p–n heterojunction photocatalyst was synthesized by a straightforward one-step hydrothermal method. The Nb 2 O 5 /Co 3 O 4 composites effectively utilized visible light to catalytically degrade norfloxacin, achieving 89.2% degradation in 90   min. This performance was 2.68 and 7.42-fold greater than pure Nb 2 O 5 and Co 3 O 4 , respectively. Furthermore, this composite maintained its high activity through five cycles of photocatalysis. The exceptional performance was creditable to the establishment of p-n heterojunction structure between Nb 2 O 5 and Co 3 O 4 , which effectively inhibited the electron-hole recombination and distinctly broadens the visible light adsorption region. •O 2 − and h + were confirmed as the critical active species in this process. The primary degradation pathways for norfloxacin were decarboxylation and ring-opening. This study introduced an innovative method for developing and fabricating flower-like Nb 2 O 5 -based heterojunctions for enhancing photocatalytic efficiency. This approach held significant promise for the effective treatment of antibiotic-contaminated wastewater through photocatalysis.