Defect enrich ultrathin TiO2 nanosheets for rapid adsorption and visible light mediated PPCPs degradation

Recently, PPCPs have attracted extensive attention as emerging pollutants. Due to the strong hydrophilicity and small molecular weight, PPCPs are difficult to be fully removed by adsorption and other processes, posing a serious threat to the ecological environment. Here, we demonstrate solvothermal synthesis of defect enrich TiO2 nanosheets through simple copper doping. Novel TiO2 nanosheets were found to be mesoporous with high specific surface area and exhibited excellent visible light response. Performance of the developed TiO2 nanosheets were evaluated towards photocatalytic degradation of two model pollutants, tetracycline and acetaminophen. Results showed robust degradation of tetracycline and acetaminophen under visible-light irradiation within 100 min. Meanwhile, the potential relationship between the structural characteristics and excellent ability of the catalyst was discussed, as well as probable mechanism. Additionally, a study on the toxicity of tetracycline solution to human skin epidermal cells showed that the toxicity of the treated solution to cells is greatly reduced. The prepared catalysts show good repeatability (a slightly decrease ca.3% after 5 cycles) and applicability, providing a reasonable design for water remediation. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study demonstrates a solvothermal method for synthesizing defect-rich TiO2 nanosheets through copper doping, which exhibit high specific surface area and excellent visible light response. The nanosheets were found to effectively degrade two model pollutants under visible light irradiation. Additionally, the prepared catalysts showed good repeatability and applicability, providing a reasonable design for water remediation.