Synthesis and characterization of Ag/Bi 2 WO 6 /GO composite for the fast degradation of tylosin under visible light

Abstract

Ag/Bi₂WO₆/graphene oxide composite with excellent photocatalytic properties was successfully prepared by hydrothermal-photoreduction synergistic method and is applied in antibiotics degradation. The structure and properties of as-prepared photocatalysts were characterized by Fourier infrared spectrum (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), specific surface area analyzer (BET), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and atomic force microscope (AFM). The results indicated that Ag and Bi₂WO₆ were uniformly loaded on the surface of graphene oxide. In addition, graphene oxide with conjugated carbon network structures has been applied as a photocatalyst supporter for the high electronic conductivity and the large reactive sites. Compared with the pure graphene oxide, the as-prepared Ag/Bi₂WO₆/graphene oxide catalyst exhibited excellent degradation efficiency and stability for degrading tylosin under Xe lamp irradiation. Under simulated sunlight irradiation, the photodegradation efficiency of tylosin by Ag/Bi₂WO₆/graphene oxide achieved at 98% within 2 h, compared to 50% by pure graphene oxide. The excellent photodegradation ability is caused by the synergetic effect of Ag, Bi₂WO₆, and graphene oxide nanoparticles.