Effective approach for removing antibiotic residues from wastewater using Bi₂O₃@C₃N₄ photocatalyst

This study explores the photocatalytic decomposition of antibiotic residues, including tetracycline (TCR) and amoxicillin (AMR), from wastewater using Bi₂O₃@C₃N₄ photocatalyst. The characterization findings revealed that Bi₂O₃@C₃N₄ exhibited significantly improved light absorption properties and enhanced charge separation efficiency. According to the experimental results, Bi₂O₃@C₃N₄ exhibited high degradation efficiencies of 77.6% for TCR and 83.2% for AMR in wastewater samples. It also displayed excellent reusability, with the removal efficiencies of TCR and AMR remaining at 71.3 and 78.8%, respectively, after five cycles. Additionally, the photodegradation of TCR and AMR using Bi₂O₃@C₃N₄ is suggested to follow the Z-scheme pathway. The results of this study could be utilized for removing antibiotic pollutants from wastewater, thereby reducing their impact on human health and the environment.