Ternary MIL-100(Fe)@Fe3O4/CA magnetic nanophotocatalysts (MNPCs): Magnetically separable and Fenton-like degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride

Abstract

Today’s world, tetracycline hydrochloride (TC) is considered as a Compounds of Emerging Concern (CECs). Metal-organic frameworks MOFs with a microporous structure and holding larger pores indicating potential applications in the fields of environmental purification. Recently, carbon aerogel (CA) has also aroused great interest due to its larger specific surface area, low density, thermal stability, and non-toxicity. Herein, MIL-100(Fe) was synthesized under low temperature and combined with Fe3O4 and CA, respectively. The obtained MIL-100(Fe), MIL-100(Fe)@Fe3O4, MIL-100(Fe)@CA and MIL-100(Fe)@Fe3O4/CA were investigated as a photocatalyst for removal of TC from the water. The results indicated that the MIL-100(Fe)@Fe3O4/CA degrade TC up to 85%, which is much higher than MIL-100(Fe)@Fe3O4 (c.a. 42%), due to its high surface area 389 m2 g−1, smaller pore size and pore volume 2.4 nm and 0.319 m3 g−1, high separation of electron and hole, and lower band gap of 1.76 eV. The coupling of CA with MIL-100(Fe)@Fe3O4 considerably accelerate the transfer of photo-generated charge carriers and enhanced 1.6 times the performance of MIL-100(Fe)@Fe3O4. Furthermore, the stability and recyclability were enhanced due to the addition of Fe3O4, facilitating the environmentally friendly water purification processes.