Fabrication of visible-light-driven rGO decorated CeO2/V2O5 nanohybrids for highly enhanced photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline antibiotic

This research emphasizes on the design, synthesis, and characterization of novel reduced graphene oxide-supported CeO 2 /V 2 O 5 nanocomposites . This ternary CeO 2 /V 2 O 5 with rGO catalysts enhances the effectiveness of visible-light photocatalytic degradation of Tetracycline (TC) in aqueous solution. It also enhances charge transfer and regulates electron-hole recombination during light-harvesting processes. Furthermore, the UV–vis analysis indicates that the rGO-supported catalyst can enhance substantial visible light absorption, alongside facilitating an efficient charge transfer pathway in the CeO 2 /V 2 O 5 @rGO heterostructures . Under visible light irradiation , CeO 2 /V 2 O 5 @rGO heterostructures exhibit a photocatalytic degradation of TC with an enhancement above 94 % compared to other catalysts. The degradation efficiency and kinetic rate constants of TC were 94.65 % and 0.0252 min −1 , respectively. The superior photocatalytic activity of the CeO 2 /V 2 O 5 @rGO heterostructure is attributed to rGO serving as an electron mediator, facilitating charge separation and diminishing recombination rates. Furthermore, rGO enhanced the surface morphology of the heterostructure and increased the availability of adsorption and reaction sites. The long-term stability of the catalyst was assessed to ensure its stability. Furthermore, liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry was employed to investigate the possible degradation routes. This study offers essential insights into the development of highly effective photocatalysts for environmental applications, presenting a promising strategy for addressing pharmaceutical contaminants in wastewater.