Visible-light-driven Ag/Bi(3)O(4)Cl nanocomposite photocatalyst with enhanced photocatalytic activity for degradation of tetracycline

In this study, a novel Ag/Bi(3)O(4)Cl photocatalyst has been synthesized by a facile photodeposition process. Its photocatalytic performance was evaluated from the degradation of tetracycline (TC) under visible light irradiation (λ > 420 nm). The 1.0 wt% Ag/Bi(3)O(4)Cl photocatalyst could significantly enhance the degradation of TC compared with pure Bi(3)O(4)Cl, with the degradation level reaching 94.2% in 120 minutes. The enhancement of photocatalytic activity could be attributed to the synergetic effect of the photogenerated electrons (e(−)) of Bi(3)O(4)Cl and the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) caused by Ag nanoparticles, which could improve the absorption capacity of visible light and facilitate the separation of photogenerated electron–hole pairs. In addition, electron spin resonance (ESR) analysis and trapping experiments demonstrated that the superoxide radicals (˙O(2−)), hydroxyl radicals (˙OH) and holes (h(+)) played crucial roles in the photocatalytic process of TC degradation. The present work provides a promising approach for the development of highly efficient photocatalysts to address current environmental pollution, energy issues and other related areas.