Bromine Ion-Intercalated Layered Bi(2)WO(6) as an Efficient Catalyst for Advanced Oxidation Processes in Tetracycline Pollutant Degradation Reaction

The visible-light-driven photocatalytic degradation of pharmaceutical pollutants in aquatic environments is a promising strategy for addressing water pollution problems. This work highlights the use of bromine-ion-doped layered Aurivillius oxide, Bi(2)WO(6), to synergistically optimize the morphology and increase the formation of active sites on the photocatalyst’s surface. The layered Bi(2)WO(6) nanoplates were synthesized by a facile hydrothermal reaction in which bromine (Br(−)) ions were introduced by adding cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB)/tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBAB)/potassium bromide (KBr). The as-synthesized Bi(2)WO(6) nanoplates displayed higher photocatalytic tetracycline degradation activity (~83.5%) than the Bi(2)WO(6) microspheres (~48.2%), which were obtained without the addition of Br precursors in the reaction medium. The presence of Br(−) was verified experimentally, and the newly formed Bi(2)WO(6) developed as nanoplates where the adsorbed Br(−) ions restricted the multilayer stacking. Considering the significant morphology change, increased specific surface area, and enhanced photocatalytic performance, using a synthesis approach mediated by Br(−) ions to design layered photocatalysts is expected to be a promising system for advancing water remediation.