LAUSR

Abstract A series of novel ternary Ag2WO4/BiOI/CoFe2O4 hybrids synthesized by a facile modified deposition-precipitation method were utilized to explore their activities for toxic elemental mercury (Hg0) removal under fluorescent light (FSL) irradiation. The as-prepared materials were characterized by various methods and the experimental parameters such as Ag2WO4 content, fluorescent light irradiation, and inorganic anions were investigated in detail. The characterizations revealed that Ag2WO4 and CoFe2O4 were successfully dispersed on the surface of BiOI and heterogeneous hybrid was generated. The separation of electrons and holes (h+) could be efficiently promoted due to the combination of Ag2WO4, BiOI and CoFe2O4 with suitable match of band gaps under FSL irradiation. The experimental results manifested that Ag2WO4 content, fluorescent light irradiation, inorganic carbonate ions and SO2 gas all possessed conspicuous effects on Hg0 removal. Among the heterogeneous photocatalysts, Ag2WO4(0.1)BiOI/CoFe2O4 demonstrated the optimal activity for Hg0 removal and superior stable performance, which also could be easily recovered from the reaction solution by an extra magnet. Superoxide radicals ( O2−) and holes (h+) were confirmed to be the main reactive substances for higher Hg0 removal.