Amended photocatalytic degradation of Tetracycline applying sol-gel assembled CuO@rGO nanocomposite under visible light

The disposal of waste and hazardous compounds from polluted environments is one of the most important topics that have occupied great importance in scientific research. One of these pollutants that there is still a crucial need to find eco-friendly and effective regimes to get rid of them is the Tetracycline (TC) antibiotic. One of the most effective approaches that have received great attention for the safe and effective disposal of diverse pollutants is photocatalysis. In this context, the as-synthesized CuO/rGO nanocomposite was employed as a photocatalyst for upgraded disposal of the Tetracycline (TC) antibiotic under visible light. Initially, mesoporous CuO nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared by a sol-gel regime. The as-prepared CuO NPs were subsequently distributed over reduced graphene oxide (rGO) in the progression of CuO/rGO nanocomposite. CuO/rGO-15 wt% photocatalyst displayed powerful adsorption in the visible region owing to its limited bandgap energy. Besides, prepared nanocomposites exhibited suppressed capacity regarding the photogenerated charges’ recombination. Photodecomposition of TC was implemented over the prepared photocatalysts to investigate their photocatalytic performance. Attained data depicted that CuO/rGO nanocomposite consisting of 15 wt% rGO could be utilized efficiently to photo-decompose TC when subjected to visible light for 90 min. Not only improved photocatalytic characteristics were exhibited by the prepared materials, but also great stability of the recycled forms, which qualifies them for effective application in many industrial purposes.