Preparation of g-C3N4/{001}-AR-TiO2 composite photocatalyst and its degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride in sunlight

Abstract

In this study, a {001}-AR-TiO2 catalyst (001-ART) was prepared by the sol–gel method, where g-C3N4 (CN) was combined with 001-ART to form g-C3N4{001}-AR-TiO2 (CN/001-ART). The crystal shape, morphology, optical properties, photoelectron-hole recombination, and specific surface area of the prepared materials were studied. Tetracycline hydrochloride (TTCH) was used as the target pollutant to investigate the catalytic properties, and the results showed that the specific surface area, visible light response range, band gap, photo-generated carrier separation ability, and average life span of 001-ART after CN composite integration increased. Furthermore, the degradation rate of TTCH within 120 min was 92.48%, and the reaction constant was 0.0215. After 5 repeated use cycles, the degradation rate of TTCH was 85.21%. We also found that OH and O2− were produced in CN/001-ART after exposure to light, and the electrons of 001-ART were excited to the conduction band and combined with the holes in the valence band of CN, thus, forming a Z-type heterostructure. This resulted in the higher activity of CN/001-ART.