Abstract
In this study, modified intercalated kaolinite was uniformly anchored on the surface of monodisperse LaFe0.5Co0.5O3 microspheres through a two-step approach. The tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) removal efficiency of the samples was evaluated under a combined visible light/peroxodisulfate (Vis/PS) system. The meta-kaolinite/LaFe0.5Co0.5O3 (MK/LFCO) composite afforded enhanced photocatalytic activation of PS because of the rapid electron transfer, increased number of surface reactive sites, and enhanced specific surface area and pore volume caused by LFCO and MK. Density functional theory calculations revealed that Co doping could alter the charge distribution and accelerate localized charge separation. Additionally, the photogenerated carriers could be captured by the O vacancies and Co/Fe active sites, facilitating the separation of photogenerated carrier separation and FeIII/FeII interconversion. Based on electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy and radical quenching experiments indicated that SO4•− was the key radical species under the Vis/PS system. This work comprehensively reveals the mechanism of MK/LFCO-catalyzed TCH degradation, while providing novel insights regarding kaolinite-based catalysts for wastewater treatment under Vis/PS systems.
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