Work

Structural, Optical, and Vibrational Properties of Cerium Tungstate–Titanate Nanocomposite for Tetracycline Degradation

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: In this study, we report on the structural, electronic, and vibrational properties of the sodium titanate nanotubes (NaTiNTs) modified with cerium tungstate (CeW), which were synthesized via a single-step hydrothermal procedure, resulting in the nanocomposite (TiNTs@CeW). Structural and spectroscopic characterizations confirmed the preservation of the nanotube morphology after modification, while XPS and STEM analyses indicated the deposition of Ce- and W-containing species on the nanotube surface. Optical properties were investigated by UV-vis absorption spectroscopy and photoluminescence. For the TiNTs@CeW sample, a significant reduction in the band gap from (3.23 ± 0.04) eV to (2.52 ± 0.03) eV was observed, as well as an increase in the Urbach energy from (0.316 ± 0.003) eV to (0.444 ± 0.001) eV, compared to NaTiNTs. These effects are associated with a higher concentration of oxygen holes and localized electronic states, which act as emission centers and temporary charge traps. The TiNTs@CeW showed significantly superior photocatalytic performance, promoting 73.84% degradation of tetracycline in high-concentration solution and exhibiting good stability and reusability. NaTiNTs achieved only 26.28% degradation under the same experimental conditions. These results highlight the potential of nanocomposite TiNts@CeW as effective materials in environmental remediation through their good photocatalytic performance in the degradation of the drug tetracycline.

Source: ACS Omega

DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.6c01535