Uniform dispersion of Bi2Sn2O7 nanoparticles on intersectional CuO monolayers for levofloxacin photodegradation: Exploring influence of morphology on S-type charge migration

Abstract

Although Bismuth Stannate (Bi 2 Sn 2 O 7 ) is recognized for its high redox potential and stability, its performance is constrained by insufficient textural characteristics and charge carrier dynamics. Herein, as-prepared Bi 2 Sn 2 O 7 (BiSnO) nanoparticles were deposited on solvothermal-mediated sol-gel synthesized intersectional CuO monolayers (CuO) using an isoelectric-point annealing-mediated integration technique, forming heterogenous (X)CuO@BiSnO. The intersectional CuO monolayers offer significant structural/electronic advantages, including mixed-porosity features, photon trapping/reflecting/scattering, shortened ion diffusion channels, and high surface-area exposure. Furthermore, the CuO possesses broad solar-spectrum absorption, favorable conductivity, and physicochemical stability. The close interfacial integration between BiSnO and CuO matrix fostered an S-type heterojunction behavior, facilitating charge steering, enhancing charge dynamic and mobility, minimizing charge resistance, and extending electron-hole pairs lifetime. Upon systematic optimization of the CuO loading (20–50 wt%) and operational parameters, the optimized (X)CuO@BiSnO achieved the total photodegradation of levofloxacin within 2 h. The degradation rate was kinetically 24.4 and 7.5 times higher than that of pristine CuO and BiSnO, respectively. Moreover, the material demonstrated high efficacy in treating real pharmaceutical wastewater, confirming its potential in practical environmental applications. The consecutive cycling runs followed by XRD, XPS, and ICP post-characterizations confirmed the catalytic stability. This work highlights the affordable S-type heterojunctions through advanced morphological design, bridging the gap between laboratory-scale research and real-world applications.

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