One-step synthesis of ZnS/BiOBr photocatalyst to enhance photodegradation of tetracycline under full spectral irradiation

Abstract A novel ZnS/BiOBr photocatalyst was synthesized via a one-step facile hydrothermal method. ZnS nanospheres were uniformly dispersed in BiOBr nanosheets and acted as the photogenerated electron receptor thereby enhancing the migration efficiency of photogenerated charge carrier pairs during photocatalytic process. ZnS/BiOBr photocatalyst had an obviously increased photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline under simulated sunlight which is up to 82% in 25 min. Besides, during five cycles the degradation efficiency maintained above 70% in 25 min, indicating that ZnS/BiOBr photocatalyst possessed superior recyclable capacity. This report offers a new strategy to synthesis photocatalyst for increase the photocatalytic efficiency in the field of environmental protection.