Novel synthesis of CuFe2O4/g-C3N4 based on microwave ferromagnetic resonance effect for the thorough removal of TC in mariculture wastewater under natural sunlight

Abstract

Superior separation of photogenerated carriers holds the key to intensive degradation of tetracycline (TC) in mariculture wastewater under natural sunlight. CuFe2O4/g-C3N4 (CFO/g) was synthesized by secondary microwave co-precipitation (SMCP) based on the ferromagnetic resonance absorption effect. Under the reaction conditions of pH = 6.5, CFO/g = 0.2 g/L, [H2O2] = 1 mM, 99.0 % TC removal was realized in 40 min. Enhanced performance for TC removal in high-salinity environments heavily relied on elevated ionic strength and rapid electron transfer of CFO/g in conjunction with high-salinity interactions. To ecologically remediate mariculture wastewater under natural sunlight, we immobilized powdered CFO/g to a ferrite magnet and devised a continuous flow reaction apparatus, incorporating the controlled injection of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), to achieve the 100 % TC removal and simultaneously undertake the pretreatment of other contaminants (∼70 %). Ultimately, a safety assessment demonstrated that the degradation of mariculture wastewater by the CFO/g photo-Fenton system is a reliable and efficient technology, and the growth of clownfish remained unimpaired. SMCP successfully accelerated the conversion of high-valent metal ions to low-valent ones and eased the activation barriers of H2O2, enabling various active species to execute their respective roles productively. Innovative application of microwave resonance to enhance the magnetic properties of CFO/g and to support the equilibrium conversion of elemental valence states in high-salinity environments from real wastewater.