Abstract
Visible-lightdriven C-TiO(2) nanocomposites were prepared via a simple calcination and acid etching process. The C-TiO(2) nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and high-resolution TEM. The results showed that TiO(2) nanoparticles were combined with a porous carbon layer through surface C-O groups, which facilitates the strong interface interaction. The interface combination of nano-TiO(2) and carbon material increases the specific surface area of nano-TiO(2), widens the range of light response, and improves the efficiency of light-induced electron migration. The visible-light photocatalytic activity of the prepared photocatalyst was evaluated by the decomposition of tetracycline aqueous solution. Compared with that of pure TiO(2), the photocatalytic activity of C-TiO(2) nanocomposites was significantly improved. Furthermore, a possible photocatalytic mechanism was also tentatively proposed. This work can promote the development of active photocatalysts under solar light for the photodegradation of environmental pollutants.