Photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline under visible light using TiO2@sulfur doped carbon nitride nanocomposite synthesized via in-situ method

This paper describes a TiO2 nanoparticles assembled sulfur-doped graphitic carbon nitride (SCN) nanocomposite synthesized via an in-situ method. The as-prepared materials were thoroughly characterized (XRD, FT-IR, XPS, UV-DRS, SEM and mapping analysis). The TiO2@SCN nanocomposite exhibits higher photocatalytic activity towards tetracycline (TC) degradation under visible light compared to individual components. The TiO2@SCN nanocomposite catalyst had good stability and reusability for five consecutive photocatalytic degradation experiments. These performances could be attributed to effective charge separation and less recombination of electron and hole pairs of TiO2@SCN nanocomposite which was confirmed by higher photocurrent and lower impedance results. The role of catalysts weight, pH, and effect of TC concentration were optimized and discussed. Further, radical scavenger studies were clearly identified the elections and superoxide radicals act as the main role for the photo-degradation of TC. It is hoped that our work could offers to develop various nanocomposite for photocatalytic degradation of pharmaceutical pollutants and energy applications.

Automated summary

This paper describes the synthesis and characterization of a TiO2 nanoparticles assembled sulfur-doped graphitic carbon nitride (SCN) nanocomposite, which exhibits higher photocatalytic activity towards tetracycline (TC) degradation under visible light. The nanocomposite catalyst shows good stability and reusability for five consecutive photocatalytic degradation experiments, attributed to effective charge separation and less recombination of electron and hole pairs. Further optimization of catalyst weight, pH, and TC concentration were discussed, along with radical scavenger studies confirming the role of electrons and superoxide radicals in the photo-degradation of TC.