Enhanced TPP/ AgBr Photocatalysis with Z‐Scheme Heterojunctions for Degradation of RhB

A facile physical stirring method synthesizes a novel organic-inorganic heterojunction photocatalyst, TPP/AgBr-1:17. This composite demonstrates exceptional degradation of dye pollutants like RhB, under visible light irradiation. The Z-scheme heterojunction, between TPP and AgBr, facilitates efficient charge separation by suppressing electron-hole recombination. Consequently, the photocatalyst exhibits enhanced activity and excellent reusability, indicating its strong potential for sustainable wastewater remediation strategies.

Abstract

Employing a straightforward doping strategy, we synthesized a novel photocatalytic composite comprising tetraphenylporphyrin (TPP) and silver bromide (AgBr). Optimization, guided by physical agitation of the components, revealed that a 1:17 mass ratio of TPP to AgBr yielded the most effective photocatalytic performance. The resulting composite demonstrated remarkable activity, achieving 98.27% degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) under visible light irradiation. Furthermore, the TPP/AgBr composite exhibited excellent stability, retaining 80.23% degradation efficiency after multiple cycles. Comprehensive characterization using SEM, XRD, SEM–EDS, XPS, and EIS confirmed the successful formation of the composite and elucidated the enhanced optoelectronic properties. Mechanistic investigations identified photogenerated holes (h⁺) as the dominant reactive species in the RhB degradation process. The superior performance is attributed to the formation of a Z-scheme heterojunction between TPP and AgBr. This Z-scheme configuration facilitates efficient charge separation by quenching lower-energy charge carriers, thereby preserving the more energetic carriers, leading to exceptional photocatalytic performance and reusability. This work highlights a facile approach to enhance the visible light photocatalytic activity of AgBr, offering a promising material for the degradation of organic pollutants.

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