Removal of Ofloxacin from aqueous solution using N,S-codoped TiO۲ nanoparticles under simulated sunlight

The objective of this study was to synthesize an N, S-codoped TiO۲ nanoparticle, as a photocatalyst, by a facial sol-gel method and use for the photodegradation of Ofloxacin in an aqueous solution. Materials and Methods: N, S-codoped TiO۲ was characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, (XRD) UV-Vis Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), field emission scanning electron microscopy, (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, (EDX) Brunauer-Emmett-Teller, (BET), and Barrett-Joyner-Halenda (BJH), analysis. The photocatalytic activity of nanoparticles was evaluated through degradation of Oflo as model organic pollutants under simulated sunlight irradiation. Result and Discussion: In the XRD pattern of nanoparticle, clearly, the peaks of anatase and rutile are observed. The band gap value has decreased in nanoparticle to ۲.۸۵ eV. In optimum conditions, the maximum photocatalytic degradation efficiency of ofloxacin was ۷۲%. The high photocatalyst activity of the N,S-codoped TiO۲ can be attributed to the strong absorption of the visible light and large specific surface area of the catalyst. The photocatalyst has a relatively high reusability. The mineralization rate for Oflo is ۳۹ % under optimal conditions. Conclusion: The results show that the N, S-codoped TiO۲, mesopores nanoparticle with narrow band gap, can be applied as an effective photocatalyst for the degradation of Oflo from aqueous solutions.

کلیدواژه ها:

N ، S-codoped TiO۲ ، nanoparticle ، Ofloxacin ، simulated sunlight ، photocatalyst.