Enhancing photocatalytic performance of Ni-Ti bimetallic metal-organic frameworks for tetracycline degradation under visible light irradiation

Antibiotic wastewater poses a significant threat to the global environment and human health. In this work, Ni-Ti bimetallic Metal-Organic Frameworks (NT-MOF) were synthesized as effective photocatalysts to remove tetracycline (TC) from water under visible light irradiation. The photocatalysts underwent characterization using techniques such as Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), N2 adsorption-desorption, and X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). Photocatalytic tests were conducted under visible light conditions (λ>420 nm). The enhanced performance is mainly due to the presence of Ni in NT-MOF changing the shape and structure of the samples, reducing electron-hole recombination, thus promoting the charge separation process. These findings have significant implications for the development of efficient and sustainable methods for the removal of TC from wastewater.