Enhanced photocatalysis activity of Co0.5Mg0.5Fe2O4/rGO nanocomposites for tetracycline antibiotic degradation

This study investigated cobalt-magnesium ferrite (Co0.5Mg0.5Fe2O4) with reduced graphene oxide (rGO) as a dominant photocatalyst for the photo-degradation of tetracycline. Co0.5Mg0.5Fe2O4/rGO nanocomposite degraded 93 % of the tetracycline (TC-HCL) after 120 min of visible radiation, which can be attributed to the improved adsorption capacity and the significantly better transfer and separation of photoexcited (e-h+) pairs. Additionally, the Co0.5Mg0.5Fe2O4/rGO nanocomposite had higher stability and recyclability. Based on observed intermediates, possible processes of tetracycline degradation were proposed, where the •OH and •O2- played a major part. Photodegradation of TC-HCL was also provided using the LC-MS approach. The Co0.5Mg0.5Fe2O4/rGO nanocomposite was found to have a new potential for enhanced photocatalytic performance, making it a suitable photocatalyst for wastewater treatment.