Novel MIL-88B(Fe)/ZnTi-LDH high-low junctions for adsorption and photodegradation of tetracycline: Characteristics, performance, and mechanisms

In this paper, a high-efficient MIL-88B(Fe)/ZnTi-LDH high-low junction photocatalyst was successfully prepared by a simple method for the photodegradation of tetracycline (TC). The combination of MIL-88B(Fe) and ZnTi-LDH created an internal electric field and high-low junction, facilitated the separation of carriers, and thus enhanced photocatalytic activity. The optimized MZ-30% sample showed the highest photocatalytic degradation of TC about 93.51%. The photocatalytic kinetic removal rate of MZ-30% reached 0.0941 min(-1), 31.36 times of MIL-88B(Fe) (0.003 min(-1)) and 1.7 times of ZnTi-LDH (0.0550 min(-1)). Furthermore, MZ-30% possessed the highest adsorption capacity for TC (543.89 mg/L). The effects of co-existing ions, initial pH, water source, and humic acid (HA) on TC degradation were examined. The main active substances of MIL-88B(Fe)/ZnTi-LDH in photocatalytic reaction were O-1(2), h(+), and center dot O-2(-) confirming by reactive species elimination experiment and electron spin resonance (ESR) tests. The molecular structure and toxicity of intermediates were investigated by a high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometer (HPLC-MS) and Toxicity Estimation Software Tool (T.E.S.T), and the possible degradation pathway of TC was revealed. The results highlight that MIL-88B(Fe)/ZnTi-LDH high-low junction composite is a desirable photocatalyst for removing antibiotics and other emerging contaminants in water.

Automated summary

In this study, a high-efficient MIL-88B(Fe)/ZnTi-LDH high-low junction photocatalyst was successfully synthesized and applied for the photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline (TC). The combination of MIL-88B(Fe) and ZnTi-LDH created an internal electric field and high-low junction, leading to enhanced photocatalytic activity. The optimized MZ-30% sample exhibited the highest photocatalytic degradation efficiency and adsorption capacity for TC.