KBrO3 and graphene as double and enhanced collaborative catalysts for the photocatalytic degradation of amoxicillin by UVA/TiO2 nanotube processes

Abstract In this study, we found a novel property of graphene and KBrO 3 as double and enhanced collaborative catalysts to degrade amoxicillin (AMX) on the photocatalytic behavior of TiO 2 nanotubes under UVA light irradiation. The synthesis of graphene-TiO 2 nanotubes (GN-TNT) is a necessary first step. AMX can be photo-degraded with GN-TNT, but its degradation rate reaches nearly 100% with the addition of KBrO 3 , which has two roles in photo-degradation. Its first and more important function is the prevention of electron-hole recombination by acting as electron acceptor. Its second function is its direct participation as oxidant in the degradation of AMX. The effects of GN loading, KBrO 3 initial concentration, and AMX concentration on photocatalytic activity are explored in this study. Results of the kinetic study also show that degradation can be expressed by a first-order reaction kinetic model. The degradation mechanism of photocatalytic activity and the role of KBrO 3 are also discussed.