Work

Fe3O4@CQDs/dielectric barrier discharge plasma coupled system for enrofloxacin degradation: efficiency, influencing factors, and synergistic mechanism

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The escalating residue of enrofloxacin (ENR) in aquatic environments exacerbates antibiotic resistance, necessitating efficient degradation technologies. Herein, a Fe3O4@CQDs/dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma system was constructed to degrade ENR, with a focus on unraveling the synergistic mechanism. Fe3O4@CQDs are synthesized via the hydrothermal method and exhibit enhanced specific surface area, abundant surface functional groups (hydroxyl, carbonyl), and efficient Fe(III)/Fe(II) redox cycling performance. Optimal degradation of ENR was achieved at 20 kV discharge voltage, 0.3 g/L Fe3O4@CQDs dosage, with a 95% removal efficiency at 30 min and a synergistic factor of 2.66. The system showed robust anti-interference against pH fluctuation, Cl−, CO32-, and humic acid. Degradation intermediate productand density functional theory analysis revealed degradation pathways (defluorination, decarboxylation, demethylation) with reduced toxicity intermediates. •OH, •O2−, 1O2, ONOO−, H2O2, and O3 were confirmed key reactive species with e− as the initiator. The primary synergistic mechanisms of Fe3O4@CQDs/DBD involve the plasma providing initial energy and active species, while Fe3O4@CQDs offers active sites. Additionally, Fe(III)/Fe(II) can drive the Fenton reaction for H2O2 generation and the conversion of O3 to •OH, inhibiting e−-h+ recombination and enhancing oxidation. Besides, Fe3O4@CQDs retained 77% activity after 4 cycles. This study highlights the Fe3O4@CQDs/DBD synergism, offering a sustainable strategy for antibiotic degradation in complex matrices.

Source: Chemical Engineering Journal Advances

DOI: 10.1016/j.ceja.2025.100892

Authors: Jie Wang, Jiaqi Dong, Kai Zhang, Shikun Liu, Xingguo Liu

Institutions: China Fishery Machinery and Instrument Research Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute

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: $2,050