High efficient catalytic degradation of tetracycline and ibuprofen using visible light driven novel Cu/Bi2Ti2O7/rGO nanocomposite : Kinetics, intermediates and mechanism

Abstract

The photoexcited charge carriers trapping was an effective way to generate a large number of active species like O2 •− and [rad]OH radicals to oxidize pharmaceutical molecules. In ternary Cu/Bi2Ti2O7/rGO composite Cu nanoparticles and rGO sheets act as charge carrier trappers and the suppression of e−-h+ pair recombination was confirmed by Photoluminescence analysis. The Cu/Bi2Ti2O7/rGO composite exhibited higher photocatalytic degradation efficiency for degradation of ibuprofen and tetracycline molecules under visible light irradiation within 90 min. Therefore, this research designates a promising strategy for higher photoexcited charge carrier trapping photocatalyst design for efficient degradation of pharmaceutical molecules.