Purification of water using TiO2/g-C3N5 nanocomposite: a visible light assisted photocatalytic activity

Abstract

Tetracycline hydrochloride (TCN), widely recognized for its broad-spectrum efficacy and cost-effectiveness as an antibiotic, has raised significant environmental and health concerns due to its contamination in water bodies. This study introduces an innovative approach to address this issue by employing a titanium dioxide/graphitic carbon nitride (TiO2/g-C3N5) nanocomposite through photocatalysis. The synthesis of this composite involved a hydrothermal method, and a comprehensive characterization was conducted using XRD, FT-IR, and SEM techniques. The formed heterojunction between TiO2 and g-C3N5 exhibited remarkable photocatalytic degradation capabilities, achieving a removal rate of over 85 % within a short period of 135 min. This signifies the composite’s efficiency in breaking down TCN in aqueous environments. Beyond its high effectiveness, the TiO2/g-C3N5 nanocomposite presents itself as an environmentally friendly and sustainable solution for addressing the critical issues associated with antibiotic contamination in water. This study underscores the potential of photocatalysis using TiO2/g-C3N5 as a promising technology for mitigating the adverse effects of TCN on both ecosystems and human health.