A novel preparation of trace iron-doped 3D urchin-like TiO2 for efficient degradation and mineralization of trimethoprim under simulated sunlight

Abstract

In this study, trace iron-doped 3D urchin-like titanium dioxide (Fe–TiO2) were prepared via a straightforward water bath process. The successful incorporation of trace iron into the TiO2 structure was confirmed through detailed EDX, EPR, and XPS analyses. Moreover, the Fe–TiO2 photocatalyst exhibited remarkable efficacy in degrading the targeted compound, trimethoprim (TMP), achieving an impressive degradation rate of 95.6 % within a concise 60-min timeframe and a captivating mineralization rate of 32.1 % within 120 min. These performance metrics outshone those of pristine TiO2 by substantial factors of 1.9 and 1.2, respectively. Photoelectric characterization results also confirmed that Fe doping significantly enhanced the efficiency of charge carrier separation of TiO2. Furthermore, the catalytic performance of Fe–TiO2 remains essentially unchanged after a tenfold expansion in equal proportion using the water bath doping system. This confirms the practicality of the batch preparation approach for Fe-doped TiO2. The Fe–TiO2 catalyst consistently demonstrated efficient degradation capabilities across various water sources, ranging from natural river water to treated secondary effluents from sewage plants and tap water, further emphasizing its significant potential for practical applications. This comprehensive study provides fresh insights into the batch preparation of doped catalysts and their utility in mitigating water pollution.