Photocatalytic Degradation of Tetracycline Hydrochloride via a CdS-TiO2 Heterostructure Composite under Visible Light Irradiation

A photocatalytic active CdS-TiO2 heterostructure composite was prepared by hydrothermal method and its morphology and properties were characterized. Results indicate that the CdS nanoparticles deposited on the surface of a TiO2 nanoparticles, which was in anatase phase. The particle scale of both of the components reached approximately 15 nm. In comparison to pure TiO2 (410 nm), the light absorption edge of the heterostructure composite was 550 nm, which could extend the light response from UV to the visible region. Under visible light irradiation, the degradation efficiency of tetracycline hydrochloride by the CdS-TiO2 composite achieved 87.06%, significantly enhancing photocatalytic activity than the as-prepared pure TiO2 and commercial TiO2 (Degussa P25). This character is attributed to the synergetic effect of these two components in the absorption of visible light.