A novel immobilized Z-scheme P3HT/α-Fe2O3 photocatalyst array: Study on the excellent photocatalytic performance and photocatalytic mechanism

Abstract The Z-scheme photocatalyst is valuable for use in polluted water purification. To improve the practical application value of the Z-scheme, in this study, a nano α-Fe2O3 and P3HT composite photocatalyst array was synthesized by electrophoretic deposition for the first time. This material was named F1P. The EPR, VBXPS and in situ illumination XPS analyses indicated that the charge transfer path of F1P conforms to the Z-scheme, and F1P array has a high light energy conversion efficiency. Due to the advantages of the Z-scheme system and the good light harvesting ability, F1P exhibited a good degradation effect on different types of pollutants under visible light irradiation. The degradation efficiency of tetracycline and bisphenol A by F1P can reach 97% and 99%, respectively. Moreover, F1P showed a certain resistance to water quality changes. After four cycles, F1P can maintain the structural stability and good pollutant treatment effect. Due to the high redox ability of F1P, the complex structure of pollutants can be destroyed and the degradation path of pollutants in F1P system was also analyzed. This study provides a new way of synthesizing Z-scheme systems and immobilizing Z-scheme photocatalysts. F1P is a new material with high practicability.