Round-the-clock Photocatalytic Glyphosate Degradation Using Semiconductors and PeL WO3/Sr2MgSi2O7:Eu2+;Dy3+ Heterojunction

This work investigates the development of a WO₃/Sr₂MgSi₂O₇:Eu²⁺,Dy³⁺ (SMSO) heterojunction for continuous photocatalytic degradation of glyphosate under simulated solar irradiation. The persistent luminescent phosphor SMSO was combined with WO₃ to enhance photocatalytic activity even under intermittent or absent light conditions. Structural and morphological analyses confirmed the successful synthesis of tetragonal SMSO and WO₃ phases, while EDS revealed Dy³⁺ enrichment at grain boundaries, a feature not previously reported. Persistent luminescence measurements showed emission lasting over one hour after short irradiation times, demonstrating high energy-storage capability. Photocatalytic tests revealed high glyphosate degradation efficiencies in both continuous and ON/OFF irradiation modes, with the heterojunction remaining active in the dark. These findings highlight the strong potential of WO₃/SMSO systems as sustainable photocatalytic materials for environmental remediation under limited-light conditions.