Abstract:A novel floating photocatalyst based on polyurethane foams modified with TiO2/graphene-montmorillonite was synthesized. The characteristics of the photocatalyst were investigated with a scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer, X-ray diffractometer, and UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscope. The results showed that TiO2 nanoparticles dispersed on graphene sheets, and photocatalytic active components uniformly and stably dispersed in the matrix and on the surface of the polyurethane foams. The density and specific surface area of the photocatalyst were 0. 26 g/cm3and 17 m2/g, respectively, assuring the floating property of the photocatalyst and good adsorption capacity of pollutants. The adsorption capacity of 1 g photocatalyst to 2 mg/L 17α-ethinylestradiol(EE2)reached 73%, and the maximum EE2 degradation efficiency was found to be 76% over a period of 4 h. Moreover, no obvious decrease of the degradation efficiency was observed after five cyclic operations. This demonstrated the strong stability and reusability of the photocatalyst for the restoration of polluted water bodies.