Photocatalytic Degradation of Antibiotics by S-Scheme Heterojunctions Constructed by Thermally Sheared Flower-Like TiO2-Loaded PDA

A series of polydopamine (PDA)-modified flower-like TiO 2 photocatalysts was prepared by in situ auto-polymerization. The catalytic performance of the photocatalysts and the successful construction of S-scheme heterojunctions were evaluated and verified by a series of characterizations. A loading of 3% PDA/TiO 2 (PT3) elicited showed the highest k -value (0.015 min −1 ) for the removal of tetracycline (TC), which was a multiple of that of PT2 (1.81) and PT4 (1.56). The main active substances for TC photodegradation were •O 2 – and h + . The catalytic performance of the photocatalysts and the successful construction of S-scheme heterojunctions were mainly evaluated and verified by EPR and XPS. The combination of organic (PDA) and inorganic (TiO 2 ) semiconductors used herein is promising to treat antibiotic-like pollutants in wastewater. Graphical Abstract