Novel ZnFe2O4/BC/ZnO photocatalyst for high-efficiency degradation of tetracycline under visible light irradiation

Developing broad-spectrum light reactions, effective charge separation, and easily recoverable photocatalysts were considered cost-effective pollution remediation methods. The ZnFe2O4/BC/ZnO composite was prepared to achieve these objectives, where biochar (BC) was used as a conductive channel and ZnFe2O4 as a magnetic substance. Among them, the 0.6-ZBO composite performed the best, with photocatalytic removal of tetracycline (TC) reaching 85.6%. The photocatalytic degradation rated constant of 0.6-ZBO composite was 23.36 x 10-3 min -1, which was 7.6, 4.1, and 2.5 times higher than that of ZnFe2O4/BC, ZnO, and ZnFe2O4/ZnO samples, respectively. According to several characterization data, it was demonstrated that successful Z-scheme hetero-junctions were constructed between ZnFe2O4 and ZnO. The 0.6-ZBO complex increased the range of light ab-sorption and strengthened the separation of electron-hole pairs, thus improving the redox ability of the complex. In the different water matrices, the stability of 0.6-ZBO was excellent and its ability to remove TC decreased slightly to about 11% after 5 cycles. This work provided a valuable approach to design a novel and efficient system for degrading organic pollutants in wastewater using magnetic biochar.

Automated summary

This study prepared the ZnFe2O4/BC/ZnO composite material, where biochar (BC) served as the conductive channel and ZnFe2O4 acted as the magnetic substance, to achieve objectives such as broad-spectrum light reactions, effective charge separation, and easily recoverable photocatalysts. Successful Z-scheme hetero-junctions were demonstrated between ZnFe2O4 and ZnO, and the 0.6-ZBO complex showed enhanced light absorption and electron-hole pair separation, thereby improving its redox ability. In different water matrices, the 0.6-ZBO exhibited excellent stability and maintained approximately 11% TC removal ability after 5 cycles.