Preparation of C@CdS/halloysite nanotube composite photocatalyst using one-step pyrolytic method and its photodegradation properties

Abstract

A novel photocatalyst, C@CdS/halloysite nanotubes (HNTs), was synthesized using a facile and effective pyrolytic method. The as-prepared photocatalyst was characterized using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, specific surface area measurements, and X-ray energy dispersive, ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance, Fourier-transform infrared, specific surface area, and Raman spectroscopies. The photocatalytic activity of the sample was evaluated by the degradation of tetracycline (TC) under visible-light irradiation. The influence of different pyrolysis temperatures on the photocatalytic degradation of TC was investigated. The optimal pyrolysis temperature was found to be 400 °C. The photodegradation rate reached 86% in 60 min under visible-light irradiation. In addition, benefiting from the common effects of carbon, CdS, and HNTs, the photocatalyst exhibited good chemical stability. After being laid aside for one year, the photocatalytic efficiency was unaffected and the photocatalyst retained its high catalytic activity after three catalytic cycles. Based on our experimental results, the preparation mechanism and degradation of the intermediate product of TC are discussed. © Editorial office of Acta Physico-Chimica Sinica.