Facile Synthesis of Fe2O3/Pt/TiO2 Nanowire Arrays Composite for Photo-Fenton-Like Degradation of Antibiotics Norfloxacin

In this study, Fe₂O₃ and Pt nanoparticles (NPs) were successfully co-decorated onto TiO₂ nanowire arrays (NWs) to construct Fe₂O₃/Pt/TiO₂ NW composites with photo-Fenton-like cascade catalytic activity, using a combination of the sol–gel and light irradiation methods. A highly uniform anatase structure was obtained, with the average diameter of the NWs ranging from 20 to 70 nm. The optical properties of the composites were significantly altered by the co-decoration with Pt and Fe₂O₃ NPs, as evidenced by a slight shift in bandgap energy from 3.33 to 3.21 eV compared to pristine TiO₂ NWs. The photocatalytic activity was investigated by examining the decomposition of norfloxacin (NOR) antibiotic under light irradiation. A photodegradation efficiency of 87.92% was achieved at 10 ml L⁻¹ H₂O₂ dosage after 120 min, representing a 1.69-fold improvement over pristine TiO₂ NWs. This enhancement was attributed to the improved generation and separation of photo-induced charge carriers, suppressed electron–hole recombination, extended light absorption into the visible range, and the contribution of the Fe₂O₃-induced photo-Fenton-like cascade process. The formation of heterojunctions among the components was also believed to facilitate more efficient charge transfer. The Fe₂O₃/Pt/TiO₂ NW composites are considered promising photocatalysts for environmental remediation, particularly for the solar-driven removal of persistent pharmaceutical contaminants.

Graphical Abstract