Enhanced photocatalytic degradation of norfloxacin via SPR effect in CuNi/TiO2-x composite under visible light

In this paper, the synthesis, characterization, and photocatalytic performance of CuNi/TiO 2-x composites in the degradation of antibiotic Norfloxacin (NOR) under visible light were investigated. Compared to conventional TiO 2 , the composite catalyst demonstrated superior photocatalytic activity by introducing CuNi nanoparticles and oxygen vacancy in TiO 2 . The oxygen vacancy defect in titanium dioxide crystal reduced the band gap energy. In addition, the incorporation of Cu nanoparticles leveraging Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) and Ni nanoparticles as electron traps further markedly enhanced the electron-hole pair separation efficiency and solar energy utilization, catalyzing NOR degradation efficiently. Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) confirmed the generation of reactive oxygen species, which was pivotal to the NOR degradation. This study underscores the potential of bimetallic composites for environmental remediation, particularly in treating antibiotic-laden wastewater.