Photocatalytic oxidation degradation of tetracycline over La/Co@TiO2 nanospheres under visible light

The oxygen-vacancy-rich La/Co@TiO2 nanospheres for the photo catalytic degradation of tetracycline were prepared by a simple two-step method. 3 wt%La/Co@TiO2 nanospheres had better photocatalytic performance of the degradation of tetracycline than that of the other catalysts under visible light may be due to the synergistic effect between La/Co and TiO2 and nano-confined effect. The catalytic experimental results showed the degradation ratio of tetracycline (40 mg/L) were 100% for 90 min. XPS, Raman, and photoelectrochemical results showed appropriate number of oxygen vacancies existed on the surface of TiO2, which could improve the activation efficiency of dissolved oxygen in tetracycline solution because they accelerated the electron transfer rate in the system and inhibited the photoelectron-hole pair recombination under visible light. The EPR and radical scavenger tests showed h+, O2−, and ·OH were the main active species for the degradation of tetracycline. Also, the possible mechanism and intermediates of the tetracycline degradation process were speculated under the visible light. La/Co@TiO2 nanospheres would be a promising photocatalyst for wastewater treatment. •The oxygen-vacancy-rich La/Co@TiO2 nanospheres were prepared by a facile method.•The nano-confined effect and synergistic effect improve the degradation.•Dissolved oxygen in tetracycline solution as an oxidant.•h+, O2−, and ·OH were the main active substances for degradation.•The degradation ratio of TC reached 100% under visible light.