Graphene-algae-AgBiS2 hybrid nanostructured materials as photocatalysts for the degradation of tetracycline in water

Abstract

The presence of organic pollutants in industrial wastewater is becoming a detrimental issue, and their removal is time-consuming even with conventional methods. This is due to the amalgamation of several organic pollutants within a single system. In this study, graphene-algae-AgBiS2 hybrid nanostructured was synthesized. The morphology and chemical composition of the nanocomposite were characterized using techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM). The effectiveness of the photocatalysts for the degradation of tetracycline in water under visible light irradiation was investigated. The rate of degradation of tetracycline was seven times higher in the presence of this composite (0.005 min− 1) compared to when pristine AgBiS2 was used (0.0007 min− 1) as the photocatalyst under similar conditions. This can be attributed to the increased functionality on the surface of the composite. The radical scavenging results confirmed that the hydroxyl (•OH) and superoxide (•O2−) are the primary reactive species driving the efficient photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline in water. This study demonstrates the potential of graphene-algae-AgBiS2 hybrid nanostructured materials as efficient photocatalysts for the degradation of tetracycline in water, showcasing their applicability for environmental remediation and wastewater treatment.