Gold nanoparticles-modified MnFe2O4 with synergistic catalysis for photo-Fenton degradation of tetracycline under neutral pH

To decrease the adverse environmental and health-related effects of antibiotics, a series of MnFe2O4-Au (MFO-Au) composites were prepared by simple co-precipitation and photoreduction methods for efficient photo-Fenton degradation of tetracycline (TC). The synergistic effect of MFO and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with high absorption of visible light and strong photogenerated carrier separation efficiency endowed MFO-Au-3 an outstanding photo-Fenton catalytic performance for TC degradation in neutral condition. The surface hydroxyl of MFO profited to generation of center dot OH, and negative charged or partially polarized AuNPs benefited to adsorption of H2O2, which had a synergistic effect on enhancing the photo-Fenton catalytic performance of MFO-Au. 88.3% of TC was efficiently removed and about 51.9% of TOC decreased within 90 min. The electron spin resonance and quenching tests suggested that h(+) and e(-) were responsible for the high catalytic degradation and center dot OH and O-2(-) participated in the photo-Fenton reaction. The toxicity assessment by seed germination experiments showed efficient toxicity reduction of this system. Besides, MFO-Au exhibited high stability, good cycle, relatively economical and practical application performance, which is expected to provide potential guidance for the design and combination of noble nanoparticles with high stability and spinel bimetallic oxides with high catalytic activity in photo-Fenton reactions.

Automated summary

A series of MnFe2O4-Au (MFO-Au) composites were prepared for efficient photo-Fenton degradation of tetracycline (TC) by utilizing the synergistic effect of MFO and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The composites showed outstanding catalytic performance in neutral conditions, with efficient removal of TC and decrease in TOC. The study also demonstrated the potential for reducing toxicity and provided guidance for the design of stable noble nanoparticle and bimetallic oxide combinations in photo-Fenton reactions.