Dataset for the synthesis, characterisation and application of cobalt and nitrogen co-doped TiO2 anatase nanoparticles on triclosan photodegradation using visible LED light

Abstract

The growing threat of emerging waterborne contaminants is a global concern, fuelled in part by the ineffectiveness of current remediation strategies. One of the most prominent remediation strategies is catalytic photodegradation, particularly with TiO 2 nanoparticles (NPs), but its full utilization is hampered by using only UV radiation, which is scarce in sunlight. To fully benefit from the sunlight abundance, several efforts are focused on the tailoring of TiO 2 to make it more active in visible (Vis) light. However, this target is yet to be met, sought for new developments. In a recent research paper entitled “ Visible light-driven photodegradation of triclosan and antimicrobial activity against Legionella pneumophila with cobalt and nitrogen co-doped TiO 2 anatase nanoparticles” [ 1 ], we investigated the co-doping potential of cobalt and nitrogen in TiO 2 NPs for water decontamination, focusing on its application for the degradation of triclosan (TCS) under Vis LED light irradiation. Herein, the synthesis methodology for the preparation of doped TiO 2 with nitrogen is described in detail, along with complementary data on the characterisation of all previously synthesised photocatalysts in the form of specific surface area determination (B.E.T. method) based on the obtained physisorption isotherms, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and the automatic determination of bandgap energy through the diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS) analysis by using the GapExtractor© software. This dataset article also includes optimised photocatalytic reaction conditions, specifically conducted under monochromatic LED light irradiation. The employed LED irradiation conditions can support photocatalytic research in the field, since LED systems are costless and have a long-life span compared to most conventional UV-Vis systems. In addition, raw UV-Vis spectra and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) chromatograms for monitoring the TCS degradation reaction are also included, as are powder X-ray diffractograms (XRD) of recycled doped-TiO 2 photocatalysts, confirming the renewable efficiency of the synthesised photocatalysts to pursue green chemistry principles.