Enhancement of photocatalytic activity of Co and Fe co-doped TiO2 coated on modified vermiculite for removing norfloxacin antibiotic in water

Nguyen Thi Hue, Nguyen Manh Nghia, Chu Viet Hai, Luu Van Huyen, Le Quang Vinh, Nguyen Phuong Mai, Ho Thanh Sang
Author affiliations

Authors

  • Nguyen Thi Hue \(^1\) Institute of Science and Technology for Energy and Environment, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST), 18 Hoang Quoc Viet Street, Nghia Do Ward, Ha Noi, Viet Nam https://orcid.org/0009-0006-7922-9423
  • Nguyen Manh Nghia \(^2\) Faculty of Physics, Hanoi National University of Education, 136 Xuan Thuy Street, Cau Giay Ward, Ha Noi, Viet Nam
  • Chu Viet Hai \(^1\) Institute of Science and Technology for Energy and Environment, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST), 18 Hoang Quoc Viet Street, Nghia Do Ward, Ha Noi, Viet Nam
  • Luu Van Huyen \(^3\) Hanoi University of Natural Resources and Environment, 41A Phu Dien Street, Phu Dien Ward, Ha Noi, Viet Nam
  • Le Quang Vinh \(^4\) Institute of Materials Science, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST), 18 Hoang Quoc Viet Street, Nghia Do Ward, Ha Noi, Viet Nam
  • Nguyen Phuong Mai \(^5\) Faculty of Environmental Sciences, University of Science, Viet Nam National University, 334 Nguyen Trai Street, Thanh Xuan Ward, Ha Noi, Viet Nam https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3074-6535
  • Ho Thanh Sang \(^3\) Hanoi University of Natural Resources and Environment, 41A Phu Dien Street, Phu Dien Ward, Ha Noi, Viet Nam

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15625/2525-2518/21773

Keywords:

co-doping, TiO2, vermiculite, norfloxacin

Abstract

This study investigates the photocatalytic degradation of norfloxacin (NOR) antibiotic in water using Co and Fe co-doped TiO2 material immobilized on modified vermiculite (VER) treated with  HCl, H2SO4, or  HNO3.  The VER treated with a 3 M HNO3 solution exhibited a more porous surface and greater adhesion of TiO2 crystals compared to VER treated by other acids. SEM analysis revealed uniformly spherical TiO2 crystals with 5–10 nm size. EDS analysis confirmed the incorporation of both Fe and Co elements within the TiO2 crystal lattice. UV-Vis spectra of the co-doped sample showed a red shift of approximately 240 nm relative to undoped TiO2. Co-doping with Fe and Co exhibited superior photocatalytic performance compared to single-element. The photocatalytic degradation efficiency for NOR followed the order: Fe,Co_TiO2/VER_HNO3 > Fe,Co_TiO2/VER_H2SO4 > Fe,Co_TiO2/VER_HCl, with corresponding degradation efficiencies of 96 %, 60 %, and 46 % after 24 hours of fluorescent light illumination. The crude VER sample exhibited negligible photocatalytic activity. The Co,Fe_TiO2/VER is easy float on the water surface, making it a promising material for water treatment applications, especially for the removal of norfloxacin antibiotics under visible light conditions.

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Published

28-06-2026

How to Cite

Hue, N. T., Nghia, N. M., Hai, C. V., Huyen, L. V., Vinh, L. Q., Mai, N. P., & Sang, H. T. (2026). Enhancement of photocatalytic activity of Co and Fe co-doped TiO2 coated on modified vermiculite for removing norfloxacin antibiotic in water. Vietnam Journal of Science and Technology, 64(3), 565–575. https://doi.org/10.15625/2525-2518/21773

Issue

Vol. 64 No. 3 (2026)

Section

Environment

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