WSe₂-PPy-Based Type-II Heterostructure for Efficient Photocatalytic Removal of Nitrofurazone

The escalating concerns over water pollution and antimicrobial resistance have underscored the urgency of effective antibiotic degradation. Photocatalytic degradation offers a promising solution due to its efficiency and environmental friendliness. In this study, I synthesized a novel nanocomposite comprising WSe₂ and polypyrrole (PPy) via a hydrothermal method coupled with polymerization for the degradation of nitrofurazone antibiotics. The WSe₂/PPy nanocomposite demonstrated significantly higher photocatalytic degradation efficiency (94.50%) compared to pure WSe₂ and PPy, with degradation efficiencies of 23.07% and 32.96%, respectively. The degradation was performed at different pH values, with acidic conditions proving the most suitable for nitrofurazone degradation. The photocatalytic degradation efficiencies at pH 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11 were 98.5%, 98.3%, 85.4%, 78.02%, 61.4%, and 61%, respectively. The acidic conditions were found to be the most suitable for nitrofurazone degradation. The nanocomposite's improved efficiency was ascribed to its low recombination rate and quick charge transfer, as demonstrated by time-resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) tests, respectively. The Z-Scheme photocatalysis mechanism as proposed for the WSe₂-PPy nanocomposite and supported by scavenger experiments. Moreover, the nanocomposite demonstrated excellent reusability, which enhanced its practical applicability.