Anchoring TiO2@CsPbBr3 on g-C3N4 nanosheet for enhanced photocatalytic degradation activity of tetracycline hydrochloride

Abstract

The development of catalysts for efficient photocatalytic antibiotic residue degradation has received considerable attention. Herein, we report the effective preparation of an innovative g-C3N4-TiO2@CsPbBr3 composite by anchoring TiO2@CsPbBr3 on the surface of g-C3N4. An investigation was undertaken to determine the microstructure, electrochemical and optical characteristics of the photocatalyst as well as its ability to degrade tetracycline hydrochloride in water. The experimental results demonstrated increased light-harvesting capability and more efficient charge carrier separation was achieved for the as-prepared g-C3N4-TiO2@CsPbBr3 catalyst. Consequently, the sample displayed outstanding photocatalytic performance for the degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride. Its degradation rate reached 75.6 % in 120 min, which is 2.30 and 2.03 times that of TiO2@CPB and pure g-C3N4. Moreover, it was discovered that •O2− is the dominant active specie in the photocatalytic degradation process. Based on the results, a possible photocatalytic mechanism for the degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride was described in detail. This research inspires the construction of CsPbBr3-based photocatalysts and broadens their applications in tetracycline degradation.