N-Benzyl HMTA induced self-assembly of organic-inorganic hybrid materials for efficient photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline

Photocatalytic degradation technology (PDT), as one of the most important advanced oxidation technologies (AOTs) for environment-purifying, have drawn great attentions in recent years. It is highly desirable but remains challenging to design and synthesize catalysts with enhanced performance of photocatalysis. Herein, we develop a cation induced self-assembly strategy for the synthesis of two new organic-inorganic hybrid materials ({[BHMTA] [Cu-2(SCN)(3)]}n (1), {[BHMTA] [Cu2I3]}(n) (2) BHMTA = N-benzylhexamethylenetetramine bromide). Owing to their unique structural and the desirable composition, the as-prepared organic-inorganic hybrid materials exhibit high efficiency and excellent cycling stability for degradation of tetracycline (TC) under visible light irradiation. In addition, the effect factors for photocatalysis such as catalyst dosage, temperature, and pH were also investigated. The possible mechanism studied shows that superoxide radicals (O-.(2-)) and holes (h(+)) are the main active substances in the degradation process of TC. This work may shed light on preparing new organic-inorganic hybrid materials with promising photocatalysis performance for water purification.