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Kaolinite-Supported BiOClxBr(1-x) Solid Solution Nanocomposites for Efficient Photocatalytic Removal of Organic Pollutants
* 1 , 2 , 1 , 3 , 3 , 3 , 4
1  Laboratory of Organic and Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Ibn Zohr University, Agadir 80000, Morocco
2  Institute of Materials Science of Mulhouse (IS2M), University of Haute Alsace, Mulhouse 68100, France
3  CINTECX, University of Vigo, Bioengineering and Sustainable Processes Group, Department of Chemical Engineering, Lagoas-Marcosende Campus, 36310 Vigo, Spain
4  University of Rouen Normandy, INSA Rouen Normandy, CNRS, Normandie University, CARMEN UMR 6064, INC3M FR 3038, 55 rue Saint Germain, 27000 Évreux, France
Academic Editor: Grzegorz Boczkaj

Abstract:

Novel photocatalysts based on kaolinite-supported BiOClxBr(1-x) solid solution nanocomposites (denoted as BiOClxBr(1-x)@Kaol) were successfully synthesized using an eco-friendly co-precipitation method. These nanocomposites were designed for the enhanced removal of organic pollutants from contaminated water. Their photocatalytic performance was evaluated by degrading Rhodamine B (RhB) dye and Ciprofloxacin (CIP) antibiotic under visible light irradiation. Remarkable removal efficiencies were achieved, with 100% degradation of RhB within 15 minutes and 95% of CIP within 45 minutes. Furthermore, the reusability of the photocatalysts was tested over five consecutive cycles, during which the performance remained stable. This indicates that kaolinite not only acts as a support but also plays a critical role in enhancing the structural stability and durability of the photocatalyst. To better understand the interaction mechanisms, Monte Carlo simulations based on the adsorption locator module in Materials Studio were employed. These simulations provided insights into the intermolecular interactions and binding energies between BiOClxBr(1-x) (002) surfaces and RhB or CIP molecules on the kaolinite (001) surface. The formation of BiOClxBr(1-x)@Kaol(002)/RhB and BiOClxBr(1-x)@Kaol(002)/CIP structures was confirmed through these computational studies. The combined experimental and theoretical results highlight the potential of BiOClxBr(1-x)@Kaol nanocomposites as highly efficient, stable, and reusable photocatalysts suitable for large-scale environmental applications in water purification.

Keywords: Photocatalysis; Bismuth oxyhalide; Kaolinite; Rhodamine B; Ciprofloxacin; Wastewater treatment; Environmental separations
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