Enhanced photocatalysis of Mg Al layered double oxide nanosheets with B,N-codoped carbon coating for tetracycline removal

MgAl layered double oxide (LDO) nanosheets were coated by B,N-codoped carbon (MA#C(B,N)) for the enhanced photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) under solar light irradiation. In contrast with bare MgAl LDO and BN, MA#C(B,N) nanosheets present higher photocatalytic efficiency for TCH removal. The photocatalytic activity of obtained composites are greatly affected by B,N-codoped content, TCH concentrate, pH, and inorganic ions. The optimal MA#C(B,N)-3 exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity and durability in the visible light region, and its removal efficiency was 98.85% for 120 mg L−1 of TCH solution. B,N-codoped carbon with distorted carbon lattice is favorable for the photo-generated electrons trapping and the charge transfer, meanwhile, MgAl LDO with sufficient basic sites and oxygen vacancies can accelerate the rapid separation of charge carriers at junction interface, enhancing the photocatalytic activity of MA#C(B,N).