Au/Pd/g-C3N4 nanocomposites for photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride

The arbitrary discharge of antibiotic residuals has seriously influenced the ecosystem and human health. Photocatalytic degradation of antibiotic residuals with semiconductor photocatalyst is considered to be more effective method due to its unique superiority. Herein, Au/Pd/g-C₃N₄ nanocomposites were synthesized by loading Au and Pd nanoparticles on the surface of g-C₃N₄ sheets for photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride. The modification of g-C₃N₄ with Au and Pd nanoparticles efficiently enhanced the visible-light absorption, improved the separation and transfer of photogenerated electrons and decreased the recombination of electron–hole pairs. As-prepared Au/Pd/g-C₃N₄ nanocomposites exhibited improved photocatalytic performance with more than 90% degradation rate. Furthermore, the good stability and reusability of Au/Pd/g-C₃N₄ nanocomposites would be beneficial to further photocatalytic degradation application.