Utilizing three-dimensional ordered macroporous NiFe2O4 Loaded With g-C3N4 as a heterogeneous photo-Fenton catalyst for tetracycline degradation

Abstract

Heterogeneous photo-Fenton technology, efficiently utilizing the solar energy and hydrogen peroxide, which combines photocatalysis and Fenton reaction, is one of the most efficient methods for eliminating organic contaminants. Here, graphitic carbon nitride (CN) and three-dimensionally ordered macroporous (3DOM) nickel ferrite (NFO) were combined to create highly catalytically active CN/3DOM-NFO composites. The composites were characterized with XRD, SEM, TEM, HRTEM, XPS, BET, DRS, and PL. And tetracycline (TC) photo-Fenton degradation catalytic activity of the composites was evaluated. The results showed that under visible light irradiation, the maximum rate constants of TC degradation of 10CN/3DOM-NFO were 7.3 times and 5.4 times that of pure g-C3N4 and bulk NFO, respectively. The optimum apparent reaction rate constant can reach as high as 0.0618 min−1 due to the synergistic interaction between the increased specific area and excellent charge carrier separation and transfer capabilities, resulting from the CN/3DOM-NFO heterojunction and the 3DOM structure, respectively. Finally, the mechanism of photo-Fenton-catalyzed degradation is briefly discussed. And this research reveals a new strategy to improve the efficiency of photo-Fenton-catalyzed degradation.