The effective degradation of organic pollutants in low-light environments with minimal energy consumption remains a pressing concern. In response, researchers have developed three biochar-based organic photocatalytic materials: PM6:TPIC/BC, PM6:TPIC-2Cl/BC, and PM6:TPIC-4Cl/BC. Among these, PM6:TPIC-4Cl/BC exhibited the highest apparent rate constant, demonstrating superior performance in degrading methylene blue (MB) within 3 minutes due to its wider light absorption range. Various analyses confirmed its exceptional photogenerated electron-hole separation and identified key reaction species. Additionally, DFT analysis and LC-MS detected intermediates, shedding light on potential degradation pathways and reduced toxicity of the by-products, underscoring the environmental friendliness of the approach.

The materials used, including coconut shell-derived biocharBiochar is a carbon-rich material created from biomass decomposition in low-oxygen conditions. It has important applications in environmental remediation, soil improvement, agriculture, carbon sequestration, energy storage, and sustainable materials, promoting efficiency and reducing waste in various contexts while addressing climate change challenges. More and reagents like MB and trichloromethane, were of high quality and sourced meticulously. The physical and chemical properties of the materials were thoroughly examined, revealing crucial insights into their molecular structures and band gaps.

In conclusion, the study presents a novel composite photocatalyst, PM6:TPIC-4Cl/BC, with remarkable photocatalytic activity and stability. It offers a promising solution for the rapid and efficient degradation of organic pollutants, particularly MB, in a cleaner and energy-efficient manner. These findings contribute significantly to the ongoing efforts to address water pollution and underscore the potential of organic photocatalysts in wastewater treatment applications.