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Photocatalytic Activation of Peroxodisulfate over the CuFe2O4/C/SiO2 Nanocomposite for Tetracycline Hydrochloride Robust Degradation

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide The widespread use of tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) in treating bacterial diseases in humans and animals has resulted in significant environmental contamination, posing serious risks to water bodies and ecosystem functions. Herein, a novel CuFe 2 O 4 /C/SiO 2 nanocomposite derived from agricultural waste rice husk was developed to address the urgent need for effective TCH degradation. Comprehensive characterization of the synthesized materials conclusively demonstrates the successful incorporation of CuFe 2 O 4 nanoparticles within the C/SiO 2 matrix. The CuFe 2 O 4 /C/SiO 2 nanocomposite exhibits significantly superior photocatalytic activity for TCH degradation compared to that of both C/SiO 2 and CuFe 2 O 4 individually, revealing a synergistic effect in promoting TCH degradation. The optimal performance was observed with a 3.0 wt % CuFe 2 O 4 /C/SiO 2 nanocomposite in the presence of 0.15 mM peroxymonosulfate (PMS), achieving 98.41% TCH removal within 15 min. The quenching experiments and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) analyses revealed that TCH degradation occurred through the action of sulfate radicals (SO 4 •– ), hydroxyl radicals (•OH), superoxide (O 2 •– ), and singlet oxygen ( 1 O 2 ). Our study demonstrates that the synergistic effect between CuFe 2 O 4 and C/SiO 2 enhanced material stability and promoted catalyst–PMS bonding, thereby improving catalytic performance. These results suggest that CuFe 2 O 4 /C/SiO 2 -activated PMS represents a promising technology for efficient TCH degradation in environmental remediation efforts.

Source: ACS Omega

DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.5c00541

Authors: Shubo Ai, Shaoting Zhuo, Bingqing Wang, Da-Peng Yang

Institutions: Quanzhou Normal University, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Advanced oxidation water treatment

Subfield: Water Science and Technology

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Clean water and sanitation, Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,935