Enhanced visible-light-driven photocatalytic activity for antibiotic degradation using magnetic NiFe2O4/Bi2O3 heterostructures

• The novel NiFe2O4 /Bi2O3 heterostructures were synthesized for the first time via a two-step process.
• The NiFe2O4/Bi2O3 heterostructures exhibited an enhanced visible-light-driven photocatalytic activity for TC degradation.
• The heterostructures can be recovered and recycled under a magnetic field along with good stability.

The novel NiFe2O4/Bi2O3 heterostructures with visible-light-driven photocatalytic activity for antibiotic degradation were prepared by a hydrothermal method following by a microwave-assisted synthetic method. The composition and shapes of NiFe2O4/Bi2O3 heterostructures were discussed based on the results of X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, UV–vis diffuse reflection spectroscopy. For the remove of tetracycline in water, the NiFe2O4/Bi2O3 heterostructures exhibited significantly higher visible light photocatalytic activity than that of a single semiconductor. The effects of mass ratios between NiFe2O4 and Bi2O3 in the heterostructures on photocatalytic activity were also investigated and the optimal percentage of doped NiFe2O4 was 50%. The enhanced photocatalytic performance of the NiFe2O4/Bi2O3 heterostructures was mainly ascribed to the band potential of which matched suitably followed by efficient charge separation and transfer across the heterostructures interface. Further the heterostructures can be recovered and recycled under a magnetic field along with good stability.