TiO2-reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites for the trace removal of diclofenac

Solar photocatalysis using TiO2-reduced graphene oxide (T-RGO) nanocomposite as catalyst is explored for the removal of the last traces of diclofenac (DCF) pollutant from water. T-RGO nanocomposites of different compositions were synthesised by a modified process involving solvothermal treatment of titanium isopropoxide and graphene oxide (GO) in isopropanol medium. The prepared catalysts have been characterised by powder X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, photoluminescence emission spectroscopy, UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and N2 adsorption–desorption measurements. The degradation of DCF is highly facile under solar irradiation in the presence of T-RGO with more than 98% of the 25 mg/L DCF aqueous solution getting degraded in 60 min followed by complete mineralisation in 100 min. Relevant reaction parameters such as catalyst loading, RGO content in the composite, concentration of DCF and the influence of pH on the degradation of the pollutant were identified and optimised. Reaction intermediates were identified by using LC–MS technique. The degradation followed Langmuir–Hinshelwood mechanism and pseudo first order kinetics. The stability and reusability of the catalyst are established. The efficiency of the catalyst in various real water matrices has also been proved thereby affirming its potential for commercial applications.