Synthesis of Type II Heterojunction BiOIO3/ZnWO4 Nanocomposites for Photocatalytic Degradation of Tetracycline

BiOIO 3 /ZnWO 4 heterostructures were constructed using a simple hydrothermal synthesis method. The optimal composite ratio of catalytic materials was determined through photodegradation tests, and the best nanocomposite BiOIO 3 /ZnWO 4 heterostructure was obtained by varying experimental conditions such as the pH of the water and the concentration of pollutants. The optimal composite demonstrated good photocatalytic activity in all environments when TC was removed. The experimental results showed the finest sample, BOI/ZW-7, offers a lot of active sites for photocatalytic reactions because of its porous nature and big specific surface area. This composite exhibited excellent TC degradation across four different water bodies: deionised water, tap water, lake water, and rainwater, under simulated solar radiation. BOI/ZW-7's large surface area and porous structure enable abundant photocatalytic activity; under simulated sunlight, ≥60% TC removal (20 mg L −1 ) was reached within 100 min in deionized, tap, lake, and rain water. In summary, the constructed BiOIO 3 /ZnWO 4 heterojunction follows the conventional type II charge transfer mode, with h⁺ playing a major role in the photodegradation process. Under this feasible charge transfer pathway, the efficient degradation of TC in aqueous solution was ultimately achieved through effective carrier separation. Graphical This study employs a simple hydrothermal synthesis method to prepare a highly efficient photocatalyst based on a type-II heterojunction of BiOIO 3 /ZnWO 4 . ZnWO 4 nanorods are loaded onto the surface of BiOIO 3 nanosheets, forming a heterojunction to enhance the photocatalytic activity of the material.