Novel Visible Light-Driven Ho<sub>2</sub>InSbO<sub>7</sub>/Ag<sub>3</sub>PO<sub>4</sub> Photocatalyst for Efficient Oxytetracycline Contaminant Degradation
In this study, a Z-scheme Ho<sub>2</sub>InSbO<sub>7</sub>/Ag<sub>3</sub>PO<sub>4</sub> (HAO) heterojunction photocatalyst was successfully fabricated for the first time by ultrasound-assisted solvothermal method. The structural features, compositional...
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2025-08-01
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| author | Jingfei Luan Tiannan Zhao |
| author_facet | Jingfei Luan Tiannan Zhao |
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| description | In this study, a Z-scheme Ho<sub>2</sub>InSbO<sub>7</sub>/Ag<sub>3</sub>PO<sub>4</sub> (HAO) heterojunction photocatalyst was successfully fabricated for the first time by ultrasound-assisted solvothermal method. The structural features, compositional components and morphological characteristics of the synthesized materials were thoroughly characterized by a series of techniques, including X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectrum, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. A comprehensive array of analytical techniques, including ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance absorption spectra, photoluminescence spectroscopy, time-resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy, photocurrent testing, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance, and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy, was employed to systematically investigate the optical, chemical, and photoelectronic properties of the materials. Using oxytetracycline (OTC), a representative tetracycline antibiotic, as the target substrate, the photocatalytic activity of the HAO composite was assessed under visible light irradiation. Comparative analyses demonstrated that the photocatalytic degradation capability of the HAO composite surpassed those of its individual components. Notably, during the degradation process, the application of the HAO composite resulted in an impressive removal efficiency of 99.89% for OTC within a span of 95 min, along with a total organic carbon mineralization rate of 98.35%. This outstanding photocatalytic performance could be ascribed to the efficient Z-scheme electron-hole separation system occurring between Ho<sub>2</sub>InSbO<sub>7</sub> and Ag<sub>3</sub>PO<sub>4</sub>. Moreover, the adaptability and stability of the HAO heterojunction were thoroughly validated. Through experiments involving the capture of reactive species and electron paramagnetic resonance analysis, the active species generated by HAO were identified as hydroxyl radicals (•OH), superoxide anions (•O<sub>2</sub><sup>−</sup>), and holes (h<sup>+</sup>). This identification provides valuable insights into the mechanisms and pathways associated with the photodegradation of OTC. In conclusion, this research not only elucidates the potential of HAO as an efficient Z-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst but also marks a significant contribution to the advancement of sustainable remediation strategies for OTC contamination. |
| format | Article |
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| institution | Kabale University |
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| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-08-01 |
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| series | Molecules |
| spelling | doaj-art-7e94e374ffac4479bd6a85c3a5b3302f2025-08-20T04:00:50ZengMDPI AGMolecules1420-30492025-08-013015328910.3390/molecules30153289Novel Visible Light-Driven Ho<sub>2</sub>InSbO<sub>7</sub>/Ag<sub>3</sub>PO<sub>4</sub> Photocatalyst for Efficient Oxytetracycline Contaminant DegradationJingfei Luan0Tiannan Zhao1School of Physics, Changchun Normal University, Changchun 130032, ChinaSchool of Physics, Changchun Normal University, Changchun 130032, ChinaIn this study, a Z-scheme Ho<sub>2</sub>InSbO<sub>7</sub>/Ag<sub>3</sub>PO<sub>4</sub> (HAO) heterojunction photocatalyst was successfully fabricated for the first time by ultrasound-assisted solvothermal method. The structural features, compositional components and morphological characteristics of the synthesized materials were thoroughly characterized by a series of techniques, including X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectrum, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. A comprehensive array of analytical techniques, including ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance absorption spectra, photoluminescence spectroscopy, time-resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy, photocurrent testing, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance, and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy, was employed to systematically investigate the optical, chemical, and photoelectronic properties of the materials. Using oxytetracycline (OTC), a representative tetracycline antibiotic, as the target substrate, the photocatalytic activity of the HAO composite was assessed under visible light irradiation. Comparative analyses demonstrated that the photocatalytic degradation capability of the HAO composite surpassed those of its individual components. Notably, during the degradation process, the application of the HAO composite resulted in an impressive removal efficiency of 99.89% for OTC within a span of 95 min, along with a total organic carbon mineralization rate of 98.35%. This outstanding photocatalytic performance could be ascribed to the efficient Z-scheme electron-hole separation system occurring between Ho<sub>2</sub>InSbO<sub>7</sub> and Ag<sub>3</sub>PO<sub>4</sub>. Moreover, the adaptability and stability of the HAO heterojunction were thoroughly validated. Through experiments involving the capture of reactive species and electron paramagnetic resonance analysis, the active species generated by HAO were identified as hydroxyl radicals (•OH), superoxide anions (•O<sub>2</sub><sup>−</sup>), and holes (h<sup>+</sup>). This identification provides valuable insights into the mechanisms and pathways associated with the photodegradation of OTC. In conclusion, this research not only elucidates the potential of HAO as an efficient Z-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst but also marks a significant contribution to the advancement of sustainable remediation strategies for OTC contamination.https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/30/15/3289Ho<sub>2</sub>InSbO<sub>7</sub>/Ag<sub>3</sub>PO<sub>4</sub> heterojunctiondirect Z-schemeoxytetracyclinephotocatalytic efficiencydegradation mechanismdegradation pathway |
| spellingShingle | Jingfei Luan Tiannan Zhao Novel Visible Light-Driven Ho<sub>2</sub>InSbO<sub>7</sub>/Ag<sub>3</sub>PO<sub>4</sub> Photocatalyst for Efficient Oxytetracycline Contaminant Degradation Molecules Ho<sub>2</sub>InSbO<sub>7</sub>/Ag<sub>3</sub>PO<sub>4</sub> heterojunction direct Z-scheme oxytetracycline photocatalytic efficiency degradation mechanism degradation pathway |
| title | Novel Visible Light-Driven Ho<sub>2</sub>InSbO<sub>7</sub>/Ag<sub>3</sub>PO<sub>4</sub> Photocatalyst for Efficient Oxytetracycline Contaminant Degradation |
| title_full | Novel Visible Light-Driven Ho<sub>2</sub>InSbO<sub>7</sub>/Ag<sub>3</sub>PO<sub>4</sub> Photocatalyst for Efficient Oxytetracycline Contaminant Degradation |
| title_fullStr | Novel Visible Light-Driven Ho<sub>2</sub>InSbO<sub>7</sub>/Ag<sub>3</sub>PO<sub>4</sub> Photocatalyst for Efficient Oxytetracycline Contaminant Degradation |
| title_full_unstemmed | Novel Visible Light-Driven Ho<sub>2</sub>InSbO<sub>7</sub>/Ag<sub>3</sub>PO<sub>4</sub> Photocatalyst for Efficient Oxytetracycline Contaminant Degradation |
| title_short | Novel Visible Light-Driven Ho<sub>2</sub>InSbO<sub>7</sub>/Ag<sub>3</sub>PO<sub>4</sub> Photocatalyst for Efficient Oxytetracycline Contaminant Degradation |
| title_sort | novel visible light driven ho sub 2 sub insbo sub 7 sub ag sub 3 sub po sub 4 sub photocatalyst for efficient oxytetracycline contaminant degradation |
| topic | Ho<sub>2</sub>InSbO<sub>7</sub>/Ag<sub>3</sub>PO<sub>4</sub> heterojunction direct Z-scheme oxytetracycline photocatalytic efficiency degradation mechanism degradation pathway |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/30/15/3289 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT jingfeiluan novelvisiblelightdrivenhosub2subinsbosub7subagsub3subposub4subphotocatalystforefficientoxytetracyclinecontaminantdegradation AT tiannanzhao novelvisiblelightdrivenhosub2subinsbosub7subagsub3subposub4subphotocatalystforefficientoxytetracyclinecontaminantdegradation |