Enhanced photocatalytic degradation activity of tetracycline by a binary AgIn(MoO4)2/g-C3N4 photocatalyst: the mechanism insight of Z-scheme charge transfer under visible light irradiation

Photocatalytic technology had attracted attention for the abatement of organic contaminants in wastewater with solar energy. In this study, a binary supported heterojunction photocatalyst (AgIn(MoO 4 ) 2 /g-C 3 N 4 ) was constructed by a facile impregnation method, and the catalyst was utilized for the efficient degradation of tetracycline (TC) under visible light. The structure, micro-morphology and optical properties of the photocatalyst were also characterized and analyzed. Compared with g-C 3 N 4 and AgIn(MoO 4 ) 2 , the composites exhibited excellent photocatalytic performance. Among them, superoxide radicals, hydroxyl radicals and holes were participated in the degradation reaction. In addition, the composites had good cyclic stability and a broad pH usage range. The enhanced photocatalytic degradation performance could be attributed to the Z-scheme electron transfer mechanism, which both promoted the separation of photogenerated carriers and utilized the strongest redox capacity in the monomer. Overall, this work provided a feasible strategy for constructing g-C 3 N 4 -based heterojunction catalysts for efficient removal of TC from polluted water.