An optimization strategy for photo-Fenton-like catalysts: Based on crystal plane engineering of BiVO4 and electron transfer properties of 0D CQDs

Herein, we report a novel Cu 2 (OH) 3  F/CQDs-BiVO 4 composite photo-Fenton-like system, which used BiVO 4 and Cu 2 (OH) 3 F as electron donor and acceptor, respectively, and achieved efficient electron transfer between them through the electron bridging effect of Carbon quantum dots (CQDs). The material exhibited excellent ciprofloxacin (CIP) removal efficiency in the photo-Fenton-like coupled system. Cu 2 (OH) 3  F/CQDs-BiVO 4 had an incredibly fast response rate, eliminating 98.1% of CIP from the solution in just 1 h, according to the reaction kinetics. Exploratory tests proved that the catalyst kept up a sufficient level of activity across a wide pH range of 3–11 and in the presence of various anions. The activity, morphology, and crystal structure of the samples did not appreciably alter after five recycles. Finally, a possible reaction mechanism was also proposed based on the band structure, position and reaction species.