Abstract
Novel Z-Scheme CuBi₂O₄/β-Bi₂O₃ composite photocatalysts with different mass ratios and calcination temperatures were firstly synthesized by the hydrothermal method following a temperature-programmed process. The morphology, crystal structure, and light absorption properties of the as-prepared samples were systematically characterized, and the composites exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activity toward diclofenac sodium (DS) degradation compared with CuBi₂O₄ and β-Bi₂O₃ under visible light irradiation. The optimal photocatalytic efficiency of the composite, achieved at the mass ratio of CuBi₂O₄ and β-Bi₂O₃ of 1:2.25 and the calcination temperature of 600 °C is 92.17%. After the seventh recycling of the composite, the degradation of DS can still reach 82.95%. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of CuBi₂O₄/β-Bi₂O₃ is closely related to OH(•), h⁺ and O₂(•-), and the photocatalytic mechanism of CuBi₂O₄/β-Bi₂O₃ can be explained by the Z-Scheme theory.