Modified Ta2O5-x prepared by NaBH4 reduction for enhance its photocatalytic activity

The generation of oxygen vacancies assumes a pivotal role in the photocatalytic degradation of antibiotics. Surface oxygen vacancies serve as deterrents to the recombination of photogenerated carriers, thereby augmenting photocatalytic efficiency. In this work, the NaBH 4 reduction technique was adopted to introduce oxygen vacancies onto the surface of Ta 2 O 5-x , thus enhancing its photocatalytic powers. Remarkably, the photocatalytic activity of the modified Ta 2 O 5-x -0.5 M samples exhibited significant improvement upon treatment with NaBH 4 solution at varied concentrations. Characterization of the modified Ta 2 O 5-x samples was conducted using a suite of techniques including XRD, FT-IR, UV–vis DRS, ESR, XPS, and EPR. Notably, the EPR spectrum provided compelling evidence of the presence of oxygen vacancies, affirming their existence on the surface of the modified Ta 2 O 5-x samples. To further corroborate the formation of oxygen vacancies, tetracycline (TC) solution was employed as a simulated pollutant, revealing a marked enhancement in visible light catalytic activity through experimental observations. The findings elucidate that the defect sites engendered by oxygen vacancies primarily enhance the efficiency of electron-hole pair separation and facilitate greater absorption of visible light, thereby amplifying photocatalytic activity. The modification of Ta 2 O 5-x samples by NaBH 4 reduction predominantly facilitates the introduction of oxygen vacancies on the surface, consequently bolstering photocatalytic performance. This exemplifies a noteworthy approach for significantly enhancing the photocatalytic activity of Ta 2 O 5-x , providing valuable insights for future design strategies.