Outstanding photocatalytic activity of WS2/TiO2 quantum dots for ciprofloxacin removal

This investigation aims to efficiently removing ciprofloxacin (CIP) by Z-scheme heterojunction of WS2/TiO2 quantum dots (QDs) under visible light. Interestingly, the photodegradation rate of CIP over WS2/TiO2 (2:1) photocatalysts is much better (2.73- and 3.87-folds) than bare WS2 and TiO2. Great surface area, the construction of the Z-scheme heterostructure, superior efficiency of visible light absorption, and reinforced charge separation rate played dominant aspects in expanding the photocatalytic action of pollutants removal. In addition, the Z-Scheme heterojunction photocatalyst not only decrease the recombination rate of electron-hole pair, but also supports the charge of interfacial transfer ability and enhance photodegradation efficiency. This study proposes new visions for the design of potential Z-scheme visible-light photocatalysts for the degradation of antibiotics in environmental field.