One-step synthesis of CuO/InBO3 nanocomposites for photo-oxidation of tetracycline

Here, CuO/InBO₃ nanocomposites were synthesized in one step using the sol-gel method. UV diffuse reflectance (DRS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) were used to characterize the CuO/InBO₃ nanocomposites. The results showed that CuO/InBO₃ nanocomposites were successfully prepared and their ability to absorb light was significantly enhanced with respect to InBO₃. Experiments on photo-oxidation of tetracycline (TC) were performed under simulated sunlight illumination. The kinetic constant of the photo-oxidation of TC by CuO/InBO₃ was 0.0150 min^-1 , which was enhanced by a factor of 4.7 with respect to the intrinsic InBO₃. Finally, the mechanism of photooxidation of TC is proposed by free radical quenching experiments, in which the hydroxyl radical plays the most important role.