▎ 摘　　要

In this study, graphene oxide and titanium dioxide in combination with sodium alginate were used to synthesize the reduced graphene oxide-TiO2 /sodium alginate (RGOT/SA) aerogel. The potential of RGOT/ SA aerogel was evaluated for the photocatalytic degradation of ibuprofen and sulfamethoxazole and was compared with that of bare titanium dioxide nanoparticles. More than 99% removal of both the contaminants was obtained within 45-90 min by using the RGOT/SA aerogel under UV-A light. Mineralization of both the pollutants was also higher in case of RGOT/SA aerogel as compared to bare TiO2 nanoparticles. The optimal mass ratio of TiO2 nanoparticles with respect to graphene oxide was 2:1 in RGOT/SA aerogel in the presence of 1 wt% sodium alginate solution. High photodegradation of Ibuprofen was observed at neutral pH and acidic to neutral pH was found suitable for the photodegradation of sulfamethoxazole. Three-dimensional interconnected macroporous assembly, large surface area for settling TiO2 nanoparticles, efficient charge partitioning, and enhanced physical and chemical adsorption of ibuprofen and sulfamethoxazole on the surface of RGOT/SA aerogel were the significant characteristics of RGOT/SA aerogels. Moreover, ease of separation and recyclability of the RGOT/SA aerogel could further save the extra energy used to separate nanoparticles from the effluent. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.