Abstract
In this study, a novel S-scheme CoFe2O4@g-C3N4 (CF@GCN) heterojunction was prepared via a simple hydrothermal method and its visible-light-driven catalytic potential was evaluated in terms of tetracycline (TC) oxidation and nitrate reduction simultaneously. A series of characterizations validated the effective fabrication of CF@GCN, exhibiting remarkable photocatalytic potentials. In the separated system of TC and nitrate, a nearly 100% removal of TC was observed in 60 min under the optimal conditions (pH = 5.0, Catalyst dosage = 0.4 g/L, TC concentration = 5.0 mg/L). The quenching experiments emphasized the concurrent participation of both non-radical species (h+) and radical species (O2•− and HO•) in TC degradation. Meanwhile, more than 96% of nitrate removal was observed in 90 min under the optimal conditions (pH = 3.0, Catalyst dosage = 0.4 g/L, nitrate concentration = 100 mg/L, in the presence of formic acid). In the combined system, both TC oxidation and nitrate reduction occurred simultaneously and the efficiency of TC oxidation was lower compared to the individual system. The novel S-scheme composite has demonstrated exceptional potential in enhancing the reusability and stability of the catalyst, even after five cycles of trials. A detailed mechanistic pathway for TC oxidation and nitrate reduction was proposed, relying on the identification of reactive species and intermediates. In general, our findings propose a promising method with synergistic properties for the simultaneous oxidation of organics and reduction of nitrate in wastewater over an S-scheme heterojunction.
Published Version
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