Engineering carbon activator with CuWO4/NiWO4 heterojunction S-scheme with optimized band alignment for enhanced photodegradation of ciprofloxacin
Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, cilt.14, sa.5, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 14 Sayı: 5
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1016/j.jece.2026.125063
- Dergi Adı: Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Chemical Abstracts Core, Compendex, INSPEC
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Ciprofloxacin, CuWO4, Heterojunction, NiWO4, Photodegradation, S-scheme
- Sivas Cumhuriyet Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
The novel S-scheme-based CuWO4/NiWO4 with a carbon-activator support exhibits the highest photocatalytic degradation activity. In this research work, an advanced S-scheme C-CuWO4/NiWO4 (carbon activator-based copper tungstate/nickel tungstate) (C-Cu/Ni) was fabricated by ultrasonic-assisted methods. Comprehensive characterisation techniques, including FESEM, HRTEM, XRD, and XPS, confirmed the successful formation of the hybrid C-Cu/Ni heterostructure. Importantly, under light irradiation, the C-Cu/Ni heterojunction degrades 92.4% of ciprofloxacin within 40 min, significantly outperforming the CuWO4 and NiWO4 counterparts, while exhibiting outstanding photocatalytic stability over repeated 6 cycles. The trapping experiments, ESR, in situ XPS and band analysis demonstrate that the S-scheme charge migration and transfer pathways of C-CuWO4/NiWO4 were elucidated. COD analysis verified the effective mineralization, whereas ICP confirmed negligible Cu and Ni leaching, demonstrating the catalyst's high stability and recyclability. According to mechanistic analysis, hydroxyl radicals and holes are the primary reactive species in CIP photocatalytic degradation. Based on experimental observations, a distinctive S-scheme charge migration pathway was proposed, elucidating efficient charge separation and migration within the nanocomposite system. Lastly, this is a well-informed enhancement for the future generation of S-scheme heterojunctions, signifying the promise of sustainable environmental remediation and photodegradation applications.