Synthesis of Ce-doped NiAl LDH/RGO composite as an efficient photocatalyst for photocatalytic degradation of ciprofloxacin

Abstract The Ce-doped NiAl layered double hydroxide/reduced graphene oxide (NiAlCe LDH/RGO) composite was synthesized by a facile one-step hydrothermal method. The structure and morphology of the composite were investigated. NiAlCe LDH/RGO has large specific surface area and uniform dispersion. The presence of Ce and RGO accelerate separation of photo-generated charges, leading to an outstanding photocatalytic performance for the degradation of ciprofloxacin (CIP). As a result, the NiAlCe LDH/RGO exhibits a high photocatalytic degradation efficiency of 94% under visible light irradiation, which is much higher than that of pristine NiAl LDH (36%). Moreover, the NiAlCe LDH/RGO possesses excellent cycling stability of 84% efficiency retention after five consecutive tests. In addition, the reaction mechanism of photocatalyst was investigated by ESR and radical scavenger experiments.