The development of efficient and sustainable photocatalytic systems is critical for addressing persistent organic pollutants like tetracycline (TC) in aquatic environments. In this study, a novel hybrid photocatalyst, phosphorus-doped graphitic carbon nitride functionalized PeCoFe2O4 (PeCoFe2O4@GCN), was successfully synthesized via a facile thermal polymerization method. The composite combines the strong magnetic properties of CoFe2O4 with the visible-light-responsive capabilities of graphitic carbon nitride (GCN), enhanced by phosphorus doping. Characterization results confirmed the successful integration of CoFe2O4 nanoparticles into the GCN matrix, as evidenced by TEM and SEM analyses showing uniform distribution and core-shell morphology.CD34 Antibody medchemexpress The BET surface area of PeCoFe2O4@GCN-1 reached 36.RAN Antibody Purity 91 m²/g—5.38 times higher than that of pristine GCN—indicating significantly improved surface reactivity and active site availability.
Under visible light irradiation, PeCoFe2O4@GCN-1 demonstrated exceptional photocatalytic performance, achieving 96.2% TC degradation within 60 minutes, which is 3.19 times higher than pure GCN. This enhancement is attributed to the synergistic effects of improved charge separation, extended visible light absorption, and increased surface area due to phosphorus doping. Electron spin resonance (ESR) analysis revealed that photogenerated holes (h⁺), superoxide radicals (O₂⁻), and hydroxyl radicals (OH•) were the dominant reactive species responsible for TC decomposition.PMID:35241543 To further enhance efficiency, persulfate (PS) was introduced as a green advanced oxidation process (AOP). Response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to optimize the PS activation system, leading to a predicted maximum TC removal of 99.6% within just 30 minutes under optimal conditions: PS concentration of 1.67 mM, pH of 6.51, and temperature of 19.24°C.
The degradation mechanism was investigated using HPLC-MS, which identified seven intermediate products during TC breakdown. The proposed pathway involves initial dihydroxylation at C atoms, followed by deamination, ring opening, and progressive fragmentation into low-molecular-weight compounds, ultimately mineralizing into CO₂ and H₂O. ESR and scavenger experiments confirmed that h⁺, O₂⁻, OH•, and SO₄⁻• radicals played pivotal roles in the degradation process, particularly when PS was activated. Moreover, the catalyst exhibited excellent stability and recyclability, maintaining 89.1% TC removal after five consecutive cycles, with no significant structural changes observed via XRD. These findings highlight PeCoFe2O4@GCN as a promising, magnetically separable, and highly efficient photocatalyst for environmental remediation applications, offering a viable solution for the sustainable removal of antibiotic pollutants from water sources.MedChemExpress (MCE) offers a wide range of high-quality research chemicals and biochemicals (novel life-science reagents, reference compounds and natural compounds) for scientific use. We have professionally experienced and friendly staff to meet your needs. We are a competent and trustworthy partner for your research and scientific projects.Related websites: https://www.medchemexpress.com
