A carnation-like rGO/Bi₂O₂CO₃/BiOCl composite: efficient photocatalyst for the degradation of ciprofloxacin

A ternary reduced graphene oxide based Bi₂O₂CO₃/BiOCl (rBB) composite was prepared for the first time via a facile hydrothermal approach. The composite has a carnation-like morphology and consists of self-assembled nanoplates. Due to the unique structure and synergistic effect existing among reduced graphene oxide (rGO), Bi₂O₂CO₃ and BiOCl nanoplates, the rBB composite exhibits good photocatalytic activity toward the degradation of ciprofloxacin, which is much higher than that of previously reported oxygen-containing bismuth compound photocatalyst. The combination of rGO with Bi₂O₂CO₃/BiOCl greatly improves the visible-light-driven catalytic activity of the composite with the highest degradation efficiency achieved at a rGO content of 1.0 wt%. 83% of the degradation efficiency can be retained after five cycles, and no obvious decrease is observed from the third cycle. Photogenerated holes and hydroxyl radicals are proved to be the major oxidative species in the degradation. The photocatalytic performance of rBB toward degradation of Tetracycline, Methyl Blue and Rhodamine B is also found quite desirable, making rBB a promising broad spectrum photocatalyst.