One-pot anchoring BaBi₂O₆/Bi₂O₃ nanoparticles on oxygen vacancy rich TiO₂: Double Z-scheme nanocomposites with QDs size for elimination of wastewater pollutants

The emergence of nanostructured photocatalysts with high activity offers facile solutions for removing water pollutants. In this study, a novel double Z-scheme TiO_2-x/BaBi₂O₆/Bi₂O₃ nanocomposite with QDs size of about 5.52 nm was prepared by a facile one-pot hydrothermal procedure, and its activity was studied in the photocatalytic degradation of pharmaceutical and dye pollutants. The optimized nanocomposite showed a significant efficiency in the removal of tetracycline, rhodamine B, fuchsine, methylene blue, and chromium (IV), which was 12.4, 7.38, 11.1, 10.2, and 12.1 times higher than pure TiO_2-x, respectively. The presence of oxygen deficiency in the crystal lattice of TiO_2-x/BaBi₂O₆/Bi₂O₃ nanocomposite played a significant role in the effectual separation of photoexcited charges, increasing reactive active sites, and capturing charge carriers. Besides, providing a short distance for the rapid migration of charges to the surface of the nanocomposite was possible with the quantum size of the catalyst particles. Enforced by the established double Z-scheme heterojunctions, the charge segregation was considerably enhanced along with maintaining their redox capability. Finally, biocompatibility tests showed the harmlessness of the treated solution for agricultural use.