A novel snowflake dual Z-scheme Cu2S/ RGO/ Bi2WO6 photocatalyst for the degradation of bisphenol A under visible light and its effect on crop growth

In this work, a Z-scheme photocatalyst Cu2S/RGO/Bi2WO6 was synthesized to remove BPA by activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) to generate •SO4- with strong oxidation effect. The removal efficiency of BPA could reach 91.00% within 40 min of illumination time. Simultaneously, the effect of pH and PMS dosage on BPA degradation was also investigated, and the highest BPA removal efficiency was achieved at a pH of 9.2 and a PMS dosage of 50 mg. In addition, the degradation mechanism of BPA was proposed and the degradation pathways was analyzed based on free radical capture experiments. In particular, the effect of photocatalytic treatment of BPA solution on the growth of mung bean and soybean was investigated using mung bean and soybean as materials. The results showed that the effect on the growth of mung beans and soybeans was minimal, further demonstrating the effective degradation of BPA.