Metal-free graphitic carbon nitride (CN) has attracted worldwide photocatalytic research attention because of its wonderful advantages such as suitable bandgap, and more visible-light active, good thermo-chemical stability. In this work, a series of ZnTi mixed metal oxide/carbon nitride composites (ZnTiMMO/CN) were prepared by thermal condensation of melamine which is a precursor for CN in the presence of ZnTi layered double hydroxides. The physical and optical properties of the ZnTiMMO/CN composites were characterized and the prepared samples were applied for the photocatalytic degradation of ciprofloxacin (CIP), which is a pharmaceutical waste, under visible light irradiation. The highest CIP decomposition activity and kinetic rate constant were achieved from the ZnTiMMO/CN sample with 5 mg of ZnTiMMO due to the enhanced separation and transportation of photogenerated electron and hole pairs, confirmed by photoluminescence spectroscopy, transient photocurrent, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements. Moreover, the electron trap states on the surface of all samples were studied using a reversed double-beam photoacoustic spectroscopy to elucidate electron transfer in the composites related to the degradation activity of CIP. Thus, the developed ZnTiMMO/CN composite can act as a potential catalyst for the degradation of organic pollutants, especially discarded pharmaceuticals in wastewater under visible light irradiation.

Fabrication of ZnTi mixed metal oxide/carbon nitride composite for ciprofloxacin degradation under visible-light irradiation

ACS Fall 2021

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