Synthesis and properties of Sm‐TiO₂ coupled with g‐C₃N₄ for improved photocatalytic degradation toward methylene blue and tetracycline under visible‐light irradiation

Abstract

Abstract Owing to the great harm that water pollution has caused to the natural environment, the effective treatment of sewage is crucial. In this study, Sm‐TiO 2 /g‐C 3 N 4 composites were synthesized for the degradation of MB and TC pollutants. The experimental results showed that up to 91.8% and 93.3% of MB and TC pollutants were removed within 120 min of illumination, which were 2.8 and 2.3 times greater than that of pure TiO 2 , respectively, showing the good optical properties of the composites. Due to the coupling between Sm‐TiO 2 and g‐C 3 N 4 , the separation of photogenerated electron holes is accelerated, thereby enhancing the photocatalytic activity of the composites. This not only enabled the strong redox ability of TiO 2 to be retained, but also effectively promoted electron migration, thus improving the photocatalytic activity of the composites.