SYNTHESIS OF SnO2/TiO2 PHOTOCATALYST FOR REMOVAL OF OXYTETRACYCLINE ANTIBIOTIC IN AQUEOUS SOLUTION

Abstract

In this study, TiO₂/SnO₂ nanomaterials with the different SnO₂ contents of 1%, 5%, 10%, and 15% were synthesized via a facile one-step sol-gel method. Structural characteristics and surface morphology of these materials were assessed through techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). These materials were then subjected to test photocatalyst activity. The photocatalytic performance of the synthesized materials was evaluated to degrade the oxytetracycline (OTC)  antibiotic in aqueous solutions under  UVC irradiation. The effect of various operating parameters including reaction time, pH value, initial antibiotic concentration, and photocatalyst content on removal efficiency was also investigated. Remarkably, the SnO₂/TiO₂ material with a 1% SnO₂ of weight demonstrated the best photocatalytic performance. The OTC removal efficiency was achieved of 98.4% after 120 min UVC irradiation. Furthermore, the reuse ability of the synthesized material was demonstrated with OTC removal efficiency maintained at 95.87% after 5 cycles.