Photonic efficiency optimization-oriented dependence model of characteristic coupling spectrum on catalytic absorbance in photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride

In this study, Ag3PO4 was prepared for the degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride in UV-vis-LED array (365, 385, 405, 465, 485, 520 nm). The light field under the LED365 array was simulated using MATLAB with a uniformity of 0.706 for different operating voltages. The integral area of the coupling spectrum (catalyst ab-sorption spectrum multiplied by the LED emission spectrum and then divided by the wavelength) was linearly related to the photon flux. The competition mechanism of photogenerated carrier reactions and recombination can lead to oscillations in photonic efficiency as the integral area increases. The integral area at which the photonic efficiency is maximized can be labeled by a specific kinetic constant. Furthermore, this conclusion is successfully extended to all LED arrays where the integral area is fitted linearly in the UV and Vis range, respectively. Finally, a dependence model oriented to the optimization of the photonic efficiency was developed by the preferred fitting equations for the integral area and the catalyst absorbance. Superoxide radicals are shown to be the main active species. The competition mechanism of photogenerated carrier reaction and recombination were elucidated. This study has important implications for photonic efficiency optimization of photocatalytic water purification, especially for new catalysts and LEDs.

Automated summary

Ag3PO4 was prepared for the degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride in UV-vis-LED array. The study found that the integral area was linearly related to the photon flux, and the photonic efficiency oscillated as the integral area increased. Superoxide radicals were identified as the main active species. Furthermore, a dependence model for optimizing photonic efficiency was developed.