Immobilized Z-scheme Ag|AgBr/Ag/FeTiO3 nanocomposite film photocatalyst for visible-light-driven photocatalytic degradation of norfloxacin with simultaneous hydrogen evolution and mechanism perspective

A novel immobilized Z-scheme Ag|AgBr/Ag/FeTiO3 nanocomposite film photocatalytic system was constructed, and applied within the photocatalytic degradation of norfloxacin with simultaneous hydrogen evolution under visible light. The photocatalytic performance of Z-scheme Ag|AgBr/Ag/FeTiO3 nanocomposite film was estimated. A series of factors affecting the photocatalytic activity of Ag|AgBr/Ag/FeTiO3 were investigated. The possible mechanism of the immobilized Z-scheme Ag|AgBr/Ag/FeTiO3 nanocomposite photocatalytic system was proposed. The results reveal that the Ag|AgBr/Ag/FeTiO3 system exhibits superior photocatalytic activity, due to the surface plasmon resonance effect produced by the Ag nanoparticles and the high separation efficiency of electron-hole pairs caused by the Z-scheme photocatalytic system. Importantly, the Z-scheme Ag|AgBr/Ag/FeTiO3 composite film is immobilized on the carrier, which facilitates the recycling and reuse of photocatalysts. The degradation extent of norfloxacin can reach 90.16%, and the hydrogen production can achieve 304.08 µmol within 180 min. Moreover, after five cycles, the Ag|AgBr/Ag/FeTiO3 photocatalyst possesses preeminent stability. During photocatalytic degradation, the hydroxyl radical plays a dominant role. Therefore, the immobilized Z-scheme Ag|AgBr/Ag/FeTiO3 photocatalytic technology holds good application value in the purification of antibiotics wastewater and the simultaneous hydrogen production.