Construction of the biomass carbon quantum dots modified heterojunction Bi₂WO₆/Cu₂O photocatalysis for enhancing light utilization and mechanism insight

In order to achieve the rational use of biomass resources and obtain efficient visible-light-responsive photocatalysts, the CQDs/Bi₂WO₆/Cu₂O is firstly synthesized, and exhibits excellent degradation activity under visible light for tetracycline (TC) degradation. The excellent photocatalytic performance of CQDs/Bi₂WO₆/Cu₂O is due to the heterojunction of Bi₂WO₆/Cu₂O which can effectively promote the separation of electron-hole pairs. Meanwhile, the up-conversion effect of CQDs can enrich electrons and orient conductive electrons. Moreover, the possible photocatalytic mechanisms including transfer behaviors of charge carriers, generation reactive species, degrading intermediate products of TC are revealed in depth. This work may provide a new strategy for designing high stability and strong visible-light-response photocatalysts utilizing earth-abundant and low-cost natural materials.