Facile synthesis of NiAl2O4/g-C3N4 composite for efficient photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline

Huagen Liang; Chenxi Zhu; Anhu Wang; Kannan Palanisamy; Fu Chen

doi:10.1016/j.jes.2022.06.032

Facile synthesis of NiAl₂O₄/g-C₃N₄ composite for efficient photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline

J Environ Sci (China). 2023 May:127:700-713. doi: 10.1016/j.jes.2022.06.032. Epub 2022 Jul 3.

Authors

Huagen Liang¹, Chenxi Zhu², Anhu Wang², Kannan Palanisamy³, Fu Chen⁴

Affiliations

¹ Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Coal-based Greenhouse Gas Control and Utilization, Carbon Neutrality Institute, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221008, China; School of Materials and Physics, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221008, China. Electronic address: lianghg@cumt.edu.cn.
² Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Coal-based Greenhouse Gas Control and Utilization, Carbon Neutrality Institute, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221008, China; School of Materials and Physics, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221008, China.
³ College of Biological, Chemical Science and Engineering, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing 314001, China.
⁴ School of Public Administration, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China. Electronic address: chenfu@cumt.edu.cn.

PMID: 36522099
DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2022.06.032

Abstract

Designing high-efficiency photocatalysts responsive to visible light is important for the degradation of antibiotics in water. Heterojunction engineering is undoubtedly an effective strategy to improve the photocatalytic performance. In this work, spinel-type metal oxides (NiAl₂O₄, NAO) are synthesized by a simple sol-gel and calcination process. After compounding graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄), NAO/g-C₃N₄ heterojunction is obtained, which then is used as the photocatalyst for tetracycline hydrochloride (TC). The effects of photocatalyst dosage, the initial concentration of TC, and solution pH on photodegradation performance are systematically studied. The removal rate of TC on NAO/g-C₃N₄ reach up to ∼90% after visible light irradiation for 2 hr and the degradation rate constant is ∼7 times, and ∼32 times higher than that of pure NAO and g-C₃N₄. The significantly improved photocatalytic activity can be attributed to the synergistic effect between well matched energy levels in NAO/g-C₃N₄ heterojunctions, improvement of interfacial charge transfer, and enhancement of visible light absorption. This study provides a way for the synthesis of efficient photocatalysts and an economic strategy for removing antibiotics contamination in water.

Keywords: Antibiotic; Graphitic carbon nitride; Heterostructure; Photocatalytic degradation; Spinel-type metal oxides.

MeSH terms

Anti-Bacterial Agents*
Catalysis
Light
Photolysis
Tetracycline*
Water

Substances

Tetracycline
Anti-Bacterial Agents
Water