CeO2/Bi2WO6 Heterostructured Microsphere with Excellent Visible‐light‐driven Photocatalytic Performance for Degradation of Tetracycline Hydrochloride

CeO₂/Bi₂WO₆ heterostructured microsphere with excellent and stable photocatalytic activity for degradation tetracyclines was successfully synthesized via a facile solvothermal route. The photocatalytic experiments indicated that CeO₂/Bi₂WO₆ heterostructured microspheres exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activity compared to pure Bi₂WO₆ in both the degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) and rhodamine B (RhB) under visible‐light irradiation. The 1CeO₂/2Bi₂WO₆ exhibited the best photocatalytic activity for degradation of TCH, reaching 91% after 60 min reaction. The results suggested that the particular morphological conformation of the microspheres resulted in smaller size and more uniform morphology so as to increase the specific surface area. Meanwhile, the heterojunction was formed by coupling CeO₂ and Bi₂WO₆ in the as‐prepared microspheres, so that the separation efficiency of photogenerated electrons and holes was dramatically improved and the lifetimes of charge carriers were prolonged. Hence, introduction of CeO₂ could significantly enhance the photocatalytic activity of CeO₂/Bi₂WO₆ heterostructured microspheres and facilitate the degradation of TCH. This work provided not only a principle method to synthesize CeO₂/Bi₂WO₆ with the excellent photocatalytic performance for actual produce, but also a excellent property of the photocatalyst for potential application in photocatalytic treatment of tetracyclines wastewater from pharmaceutical factory.