Visible-Light-Driven Z-Type Pg-CN/Nitrogen Doped Biochar/BiVO Photo-Catalysts for the Degradation of Norfloxacin.

Antibiotics cannot be effectively removed by traditional wastewater treatment processes, and have become widespread pollutants in various environments. In this study, a Z-type heterojunction photo-catalyst Pg-CN (PCN)/Nitrogen doped biochar (N-Biochar)/BiVO (NCBN) for the degradation of norfloxacin (NOR) was prepared by the hydrothermal method. The specific surface area of the NCBN (42.88 m/g) was further improved compared to BiVO (4.528 m/g). The photo-catalytic performance of the catalyst was investigated, and the N-Biochar acted as a charge transfer channel to promote carrier separation and form Z-type heterojunctions. Moreover, the NCBN exhibited excellent performance (92.5%) in removing NOR, which maintained 70% degradation after four cycles. The main active substance of the NCBN was •O, and the possible degradation pathways are provided. This work will provide a theoretical basis for the construction of heterojunction photo-catalysts.