Synthesis of a novel ternary BiOBr/g-C3N4/Ti3C2Tx hybrid for effectively removing tetracycline hydrochloride and rhodamine B

The photodegradation of antibiotics and organic dyes in water in the current environment has attracted attention. However, its practical value in the river is poor because the efficient and recyclable photocatalysts are insufficient. Therefore, a novel ternary BiOBr/g-C3N4/Ti3C2Tx (BCT-x) hybrids were efficaciously prepared via the in-situ construction method for improving photodegradation of Tetracycline Hydrochloride (TC-HCl) and Rhodamine B (RhB) under Xenon lamp. The characterization results clarified that the combination of BiOBr and g-C3N4 could expand light absorption region. Meanwhile, the hybrids possessed accelerated carrier separation and migration ability due to the introduction of co-catalyst Ti3C2Tx with efficient electrical conductivity. The BCT-5 exhibited vintage photocatalytic activity for TC-HCl (97%, 60 min) and RhB (98%, 50 min). Photo-generated holes (h+) and superoxide radicals (center dot Oz) were the main active species. The Liquid Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis showed that TC-HCl could be photodegraded by BCT-5 into smaller molecular weight and non-toxic substances. A reasonable photocatalytic mechanism on BiOBr/g-C3N4/Ti3C2Tx was brought up. This study provides guidance for advancing the application of photocatalytic technology in water pollutant degradation.(c) 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The novel ternary BiOBr/g-C3N4/Ti3C2Tx (BCT-x) hybrids were successfully prepared via the in-situ construction method, and showed improved photocatalytic degradation performance for Tetracycline Hydrochloride (TC-HCl) and Rhodamine B (RhB). The BCT-5 exhibited vintage photocatalytic activity for both TC-HCl and RhB. LC-MS analysis showed that TC-HCl could be degraded into smaller and non-toxic substances by BCT-5. This study provides guidance for advancing the application of photocatalytic technology in water pollutant degradation.