Unravelling the critical role of biomass carbon dots in atomic co-sharing Sb2S3/Sb2WO6 heterojunctions: Boosting photocatalytic water purification via precise dual-electric field

doi:10.1016/j.jmst.2025.05.058

Abstract

Abstract: Developing an efficient, recyclable, and sustainable photocatalyst is crucial for the removal of both inorganic and organic pollutants in water matrices. In this study, N-doped biomass carbon dots (NCDs) sensitized Sb₂S₃/Sb₂WO₆ (NCSSWO) heterostructures were constructed for simultaneously photocatalytic removals of Cr(Ⅵ) and ofloxacin under 10 W LED irradiation using an in-situ microwave-assisted ion exchange method. The optimal NCSSWO-1 exhibited superior performance for both Cr(Ⅵ) and ofloxacin elimination, yielding up to 24.1 and 1.9 times greater Cr(Ⅵ) and ofloxacin rate constants, respectively, than pristine Sb₂WO₆. Notably, the ability of NCSSWO-1 to remove Cr(Ⅵ) and ofloxacin in co-existing systems is evidently better than in single-pollutant systems. Experimental and theoretical analyses reveal the prominent activity is attributed to multiple roles caused by the formation of an intense dual-electric field. Specifically, the Sb-S/Sb-O bonds at Sb₂S₃-Sb₂WO₆ heterointerface endow atomic co-sharing electron channel for accelerating charge separation. Moreover, the NCDs are imperative for the charge-oriented accumulation near the Sb₂WO₆ side via van der Waals interactions and provide extra light-harvesting and reactive centers. Additionally, the ofloxacin decomposition process, intermediate biotoxicity, and catalytic mechanism were confirmed. This synergistic eradication strategy of constructing dual Z-scheme heterostructure via interfacial engineering offers valuable insight into developing ternary-based photocatalysts for efficient environment purification.

Key words: NCDs/Sb₂S₃/Sb₂WO₆, Dual Z-scheme heterostructure, Atomically co-sharing, Photocatalytic environmental remediation, Synergistic effect

Li Zhao, Yuanping Liu, Wenwen Qu, Bing Shen, Shu Yang. Unravelling the critical role of biomass carbon dots in atomic co-sharing Sb₂S₃/Sb₂WO₆ heterojunctions: Boosting photocatalytic water purification via precise dual-electric field[J]. J. Mater. Sci. Technol., 2026, 250: 219-232.

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Unravelling the critical role of biomass carbon dots in atomic co-sharing Sb₂S₃/Sb₂WO₆ heterojunctions: Boosting photocatalytic water purification via precise dual-electric field

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