Enhanced photocatalysis of Mg-Al layered double oxide nanosheets with B, N-codoped carbon coating for tetracycline removal

Mg-Al layered double oxide (LDO) nanosheets were coated by B,N-codoped carbon (MA#C(B,N)) for the enhanced photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) under solar light irradiation. In contrast with bare Mg-Al LDO and BN, MA#C(B,N) nanosheets present higher photocatalytic efficiency for TCH removal. The photocatalytic activity of obtained composites are greatly affected by B,N-codoped content, TCH concentrate, pH, and inorganic ions. The optimal MA#C(B,N)-3 exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity and durability in the visible light region, and its removal efficiency was 98.85% for 120 mg L-1 of TCH solution. B,N-codoped carbon with distorted carbon lattice is favorable for the photo-generated electrons trapping and the charge transfer, meanwhile, Mg-Al LDO with sufficient basic sites and oxygen vacancies can accelerate the rapid separation of charge carriers at junction interface, enhancing the photocatalytic activity of MA#C(B,N).