Photocatalytic Degradation of Tetracycline Using C/TiO2 Composites Synthesized via Different Hydrothermal Methods

Abstract

Composite materials consisting of pine cone-derived-carbon and TiO2 were prepared by three different hydrothermal methods [microwave (CT-MW), autoclave (CT-AC), and reflux (CT-R)] and by physical mixing (CT-PM). The purpose of preparing these materials was to evaluate their photocatalytic performance in tetracycline hydrochloride degradation under visible-LED light. The photocatalytic performance of the materials based on their apparent rate constant (Kapp) was in a decreasing order of CT-MW > CT-AC > CT-R > CT-PM. The Kapp of the materials was observed to be inversely proportional to their electron-hole recombination rate. The composite material prepared by microwave method (CT-MW) apart from its photocatalytic performance, is also more economical, based on the time and simplicity of its preparation.