Work

Enhanced visible-light-driven degradation of tetracycline via photocatalysis and photo-Fenton processes using B-TiO2/Fe3O4 composites

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The persistence of antibiotic pollutants in aquatic environments poses a significant threat to public health and ecosystems, driving the need for effective solar-driven water treatment technologies. This study synthesized and evaluated a series of black titanium oxide (B-TiO2) and B-TiO2/Fe3O4 composites for the visible-light-driven degradation of tetracycline, via photocatalysis and photo-Fenton processes. B-TiO2 was prepared through NaBH4-assisted reduction, introducing Ti3+ species and oxygen vacancies that narrowed the bandgap and enhanced visible-light absorption. Fe3O4 was incorporated via co-precipitation in varying proportions (12.5–50 wt%), generating heterostructures that improved charge separation and Fenton reaction. Comprehensive characterization by Transmission Electron Microscopy, x-ray Diffraction, Ultraviolet–Visible Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy and x-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy confirmed the structural, optical, and surface chemical features responsible for enhanced photocatalytic activity. Photocatalytic degradation tests revealed that the composite sample B-TiO2 with 12.5% of Fe3O4 (BT-Fe12.5) exhibited the highest activity under visible light, attributed to improved light harvesting and heterojunction-assisted charge transfer. However, under photo-Fenton conditions, performance increased with Fe3O4 content, the composite sample B-TiO2 with 50% of Fe3O4 (BT-Fe50) achieving the highest rate constant (k = 0.02867 min−1) and shortest half-life (∼24 min), due to enhanced hydroxyl radical generation. This work demonstrates the synergistic mechanism and tunability of B-TiO2/Fe3O4 composites, highlighting their dual functionality and potential for cost-effective, sunlight-driven antibiotic removal from water.

Source: Nano Express

DOI: 10.1088/2632-959x/ae0750

Authors: Raúl Avilés-Monreal, Hugo Alejandro Borbón-Nuñez, Keren Fonseca-Flores, Mario H Farías, Felipe Castillón-Barraza

Institutions: Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México

Language: English

Topic: TiO2 Photocatalysis and Solar Cells

Subfield: Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

Field: Energy

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Clean water and sanitation, Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,185