g-C3N4 nanosheet supported NiCo2O4 nanoparticles for boosting degradation of tetracycline under visible light and ultrasonic irradiation.

ABSTRACT

The doping of semiconductor materials through some facile and appropriate methods holds significant promise in enhancing the catalytic performance of catalysts. Herein, NiCo2O4/g-C3N4 composite catalysts were synthesized via a high-energy ball milling method. The microstructure and physicochemical characterization of the as-prepared composites confirmed the successful loading of NiCo2O4 nanoparticles onto the g-C3N4 nanosheets. The NiCo2O4/g-C3N4 composites showed excellent catalytic effect under visible light/ultrasonic irradiation, and the efficiency of tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) degradation reached 90% within 15 min. The optical properties of g-C3N4 nanosheets were improved by doping, and the diffusion of active materials and carrier migration rate were improved by ultrasonic assistance. Possible catalytic mechanisms and potential pathways of the NiCo2O4/g-C3N4 composites for the degradation of TCH triggered by visible light/ultrasonic irradiation were proposed. This study provides a new strategy for energy-assisted photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants.