In this study, BiOBr nanoplates decorated with pre-synthesized UiO-66 nanoparticles (0, 5, 7.5, 10, and 15 wt%) were prepared through in situ sonicated spontaneous precipitation and examined in the elimination of pure and mixed bentazon, diclofenac and methyl orange under UV and visible light. The samples were characterized by XRD, FESEM/EDX, N2 adsorption-desorption, FTIR, UV–Vis and PL techniques. The variation of UiO-66 content reduced BiOBr nanoplates overlapping up to 7.5 wt%, improving optical and surface characteristics. However, the further decoration alleviates the synergetic impact of UiO-66 because of the surface coverage of BiOBr nanoplates and weak intra-particles interaction. In accordance with characterization results, an increase-decrease trend was observed for adsorption capacity and photocatalytic performance of bentazon degradation. Accordingly, 7.5 wt% seems to be the optimum content of UiO-66 nanoparticles for the structural decoration of BiOBr nanoplates which can effectively eliminate bentazon, diclofenac and methyl orange, and various combinations of these three organic pollutants. Under UV light irradiation, the optimal composite photocatalyst (BU- 7.5) eliminates 80 % of bentazon, 85 % of diclofenac, and 100 % of methyl orange, respectively. The same pollutants are eliminated under visible light irradiation (LED lamp) at 68 %, 71.5 %, and 99.8 %, respectively. Moreover, the impact of photocatalysis conditions including photocomposite dosage, concentration and composition of contaminants, solution pH, and illumination time on the photocatalytic performance was assessed using one factor at a time (OFAT) approach. In optimum photocatalysis conditions, the reusability results and post-characterization confirm the sustained performance and structural stability of the UiO-66-decorated BiOBr photocomposite. Finally, a reaction mechanism was also proposed.
