Novel tablet-like Bi3TaO7/BiOCl 2D-2D heterostructure with heightened charge segregation for Visible-light-driven photocatalytic pollutants degradation

Industrial discharge in recent years has posed an enormous threat to the survival of all living beings. Photocatalysts are significant in photocatalytic environmental reformation. Presently, we have fabricated tablet-like Bi3TaO7/BiOCl with varying proportions by in-situ precipitation, investigated via characterization techniques. The 1:1 Bi3TaO7/BiOCl (74 ​m2/g) degraded tetracycline (TC) (∼90%; k ​= ​0.02541 min−1), and methylene blue (MB) (∼99%; k ​= ​0.05622 min−1). The pH and pzc studies suggested the maximum removal for MB (99.6%) and TC (90.22%) in the basic and acidic range, respectively with 0.13 ​g/L, indicating the electrostatic interaction between the catalyst and pollutants. Feed concentration studies indicated a decrease in efficiency suggesting a reduced number of active sites. COD studies displayed the efficiency of the composite in removing organic pollutants. The stability of the composite was confirmed through the reusability studies with XRD analysis supporting its intactness. The scavenging experiments explored the mechanism indicating the role of •OH and O2•— in the degradation process. The work provides a novel technique to synthesize Bi3TaO7/BiOCl with possible efficiency in pollutant removal.