Photocatalytic Degradation of Tetracycline in Aqueous Solution Using Copper Sulfide Nanoparticles

Catalysts

Lydia Mavuru¹  Sam Ramaila¹  Opeyemi A. Oyewo¹  Murendeni P. Ravele²  Damian C. Onwudiwe² 

[1] Department of Science and Technology Education, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2092, South Africa;Material Science Innovation and Modelling (MaSIM) Research Focus Area, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Mafikeng Campus, North-West University, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa;

关键词: copper sulfide;    tetracycline;    djurleite;    roxbyite;    photodegradation;   

DOI  :  10.3390/catal11101238

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

In this paper, spherical-shaped pure phase djurleite (Cu₃₁S₁₆) and roxbyite (Cu₇S₄) nanoparticles were prepared by a solvothermal decomposition of copper(II) dithiocarbamate complex in dodecanthiol (DDT). The reaction temperature was used to control the phases of the samples, which were represented as Cu₃₁S₁₆ (120 °C), Cu₃₁S₁₆ (150 °C), Cu₇S₄ (220 °C), and Cu₇S₄ (250 °C) and were characterized by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM), and absorption spectroscopy. The samples were used as photocatalysts for the degradation of tetracycline (TC) under visible light irradiation. The results of the study showed that Cu₇S₄ (250 °C) exhibited the best activity in the reaction system with the TC degradation rate of up to 99% within 120 min of light exposure, while the Cu₃₁S₁₆ (120 °C) system was only 46.5% at the same reaction condition. In general, roxbyite Cu₇S₄ (250 °C) could be considered as a potential catalyst for the degradation of TC in solution.

【 授权许可】

Unknown