Z-scheme NiFe LDH/Bi₄O₅I₂ heterojunction for photo-Fenton oxidation of tetracycline

Designing an efficient catalyst for photo-Fenton organic contaminant degradation has been an important subject intended to solve the related environmental deterioration and enormous energy crises. However, the rapid cycle of Fe³⁺/Fe²⁺ in a wide pH range based on photo-Fenton reaction is still challenging. Here, we prepare highly effective and stable Z-scheme NiFe LDH/Bi₄O₅I₂ heterogeneous Fenton catalyst for tetracycline (TC) photodegradation. The optimized NiFe LDH/Bi₄O₅I₂ composite (NFBOI-35) reaches more than 95% TC degradation efficiency in Fenton system under visible light irradiation. Excellent stability, low metal ions leaching concentration and wide pH applicability distinguish make NFBOI-35 be a potential candidate for TC elimination. The improved photo-Fenton performance is mainly attributed to the construction of Z-scheme heterojunction and the accelerated decomposition of H₂O₂, which realizes the remarkable synergy effect between photocatalysis and Fenton reaction. This work would be beneficial to design Z-scheme catalyst for photo-Fenton organic contaminants degradation and other solar energy application.