Stacking of BiOI Nanoplates on B-doped g-C3N4: Insights into The Double Charged Mechanism for Photocatalytic Study

Abstract

With the increase in the usage of antibiotics, their chance of disposal in the environment, and their persistence within the immediate ecosystem have been a hot topic of discussion. The bio-resistance in the microorganisms as a result of the above, has caused havoc for researchers since there is an urgency for the modification and invention of new antibiotics to counter ailments. In light of the aforementioned, nano-catalysts have been a blessing for the breakdown of such persistent antibiotics. This work focuses on the mechanistic aspects of the formation of BiOI/boron-doped g-C3N4 p-n heterojunction which involves fermi levels alignment at vacuum level, resulting in less recombination of charge carriers and boosted photoactivity. Various characterization methods like XRD, FESEM, HR-TEM, XPS, UV-Vis DRS, EIS, and Mott-Schottky shall be highlighted that prove the efficient formation of the nanocomposite photocatalyst. Besides the photocatalytic degradation of the target antibiotic, the degradation of cationic anionic, and neutral dyes shall be emphasized along with their corresponding kinetic plots. This research may open up new avenues for studying the development of heterostructure as photocatalysts for the breakdown of harmful contaminants.