Nanosecond pulsed discharge with plasma-functionalized TiO₂ for the high efficiency degradation of tetracycline

Non-thermal plasma coupling with photocatalyst is recognized as a promising technology for the degradation of antibiotics, and improving the photocatalyst performance is one of the most significant strategies to improve the efficiency of plasma-catalytic systems. This study employed a nanosecond pulsed gas-liquid discharge coupled with plasma-functionalized TiO₂ to achieve a high efficiency of tetracycline degradation and clarify the synergistic mechanism of nanosecond pulse discharge coupling with functionalized TiO₂. Results showed that the degradation efficiency with functionalized TiO₂ increased by 20% compared to the untreated TiO₂ for 4 min-plasma treatment. It is also suggested that the effect of photogenerated holes and electrons can be promoted in the functionalized TiO₂, as evidenced by the radical quenching experiments. The plasma-modified TiO₂ catalysts were proven to have a good stability and recyclability. This study provides a new sustainable approach to enhance the performance of photocatalysts in the plasma system for environmental remediation.