Photodeposition of cobalt atoms on TiO2 nanosheets for photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline in aqueous solution

Here, we report a procedure for the synthesis of Co/TiO2 nanosheets (Co/TNs) composite whit higherphototocatalytic activity compared to pure TNs under visible light. First two dimensional TNs were synthesizedvia hydrothermal method, then cobalt atoms were dispersed on TNs by photodeposition method. Thecharacterizations were done by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM),elemental mapping and nitrogen physisorption analyses. Photocatalytic performance was studied usingtetracycline (TC) antibiotic degradation (Conc: 30 mg/L) under visible light and UV irradiation. We achieved44% and 60% visible light degradation and 88% and 84% UV irradiation degradation of TC in the presence ofpure TNs and Co/TNs after 180 min irradiation, respectively. The results showed the photodeposition of cobaltatoms on TNs increased the surface area of Co/TNs and improved the photocatalytic activity under visible light.

Keywords:

TiO2 Nanosheets (TNs) , Cobalt , Tetracycline , Photodeposition , Degradation