Synergistic enhancement of biochar in TiO₂/g-C₃N₄ Z-scheme heterojunction photocatalysts: mechanistic insights into the degradation pathways of sulfonamide antibiotics

Abstract

This study successfully synthesized a BC/TiO₂/g-C₃N₄ composite photocatalyst using the sol–gel method, conducted an in-depth analysis of the influence mechanism of BC on charge transfer performance in heterojunction materials, and revealed its key role in regulating the charge transport process. The introduction of biochar significantly increased the specific surface area of BC/TiO₂/g-C₃N₄ compared to the TiO₂/g-C₃N₄ catalyst, broadening the visible light absorption range. Under simulated sunlight irradiation with a wavelength greater than 420 nm, the three-component material MBC-500, calcined at 500 °C, exhibits the best catalytic performance, with an adsorption photocatalytic degradation rate of 98.13% for sulfadiazine (SDZ) within 60 min, which is 3.46, 3.40, and 2.36 times that of TiO₂, g-C₃N₄, and TiO₂/g-C₃N₄, respectively. Characterization analysis and density functional theory (DFT) calculations revealed the energy band structure and electron transfer pathways of the composite photocatalyst, indicating the significant role of biochar in electron transfer and storage. Additionally, the calculated adsorption energies demonstrated the good adsorption performance of MBC-500 for O₂ and sulfadiazine. This composite photocatalyst exhibited good stability and reusability even after five cycles of use. During the degradation process of SDZ, ·O₂⁻, h⁺, ·OH play a major role.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords

Photocatalysis / Electronic transfer / BC/TiO₂/g-C₃N₄ / Z-Scheme heterojunction / Reusable / SDZ

Highlight

•	BC doping boosts Z-scheme photocatalysis, increasing SDZ degradation by 2.36 times.
•	DFT unveils band structure and electron transfer pathways in heterojunction.
•	BC acts as an electron donor and storage medium to enhance charge transfer.

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Funding

Henan Provincial Science and Technology Research Project(242102320082)

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