A novel SiP/TiO2 S-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst for efficient degradation of norfloxacin

Photocatalysis is considered to be an effective approach for eliminating intractable organic pollutants in wastewater. However, its inefficiency is attributed to the slow transport and quick complexation of photogenerated carriers. Herein, we proposed a novel SiP/TiO2 S-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst synthesized by hydrothermal method. And this photocatalyst was firstly used for the efficient degradation of norfloxacin, degrading 90.89% of norfloxacin (NOR) in 100 min which was 3 times higher than the degradation efficiency of TiO2 (29.98%). Results from spectral analysis and density functional theory (DFT) calculations confirm that an internal electric field (IEF) exists in the SiP/TiO2 heterojunction. This IEF is advantageous for transporting and separating photogenerated carriers. Unlike conventional powder photocatalysts, this photocatalyst grown on conductive glass is not only simple to recycle, but also prevents environmental contamination. This research opens up new options for designing and applying heterojunction catalysts.