Bi2WO6/CuO heterojunction model for enhanced photocatalysis of the antibiotic Levofloxacin under sunlight

Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering

2025-04

Heterostructure

Photocatalysis

Bismuth Tungstate

Copper Oxide

Levofloxacin

In this investigation, Bi2WO6/CuO heterostructured compounds were synthesized in a simple way via a microwave-assisted hydrothermal method. These heterostructures were used as potential photocatalysts to degrade the antibiotic Levofloxacin (LEVO) under solar irradiation. The heterostructures formation was investigated by evaluating their optical, structural and morphological properties. The XRD results revealed orthorhombic β-Bi2WO6 and monoclinic β-CuO crystalline phases without secondary phases. Compared with pure samples, the BWO/CuO samples improved the photocatalytic activity by up to 45 %. BW/Cu-10 showed the best photocatalytic performance among the prepared samples, degrading 95 % after 120 min of exposure to natural solar radiation. Radical and hole scavenging experiments showed that the most active species for photocatalytic degradation were •O2- and h+. The improvement in photocatalytic performance is mainly due to the S-scheme heterojunction, which effectively separates the photogenerated charges at its interface in the presence of sunlight. The BWO/CuO heterostructures showed the ability to maintain photocatalytic activity over four cycles, reinforcing their viability for environmental purification applications. This investigation demonstrates that BWO/CuO heterostructures are effective in degrading antibiotics when activated by solar radiation due to their stability and superior performance. By using solar energy, a renewable source, these heterostructures contribute to more sustainable environmental treatment