Microwave-assisted preparation of Z scheme heterojunction by anchoring ZnFe2O4 on tubular-like g-C3N4 for peroxymonosulfate activation towards levofloxacin degradation
摘要
It is still challenging for exploring high-active photocatalysts to efficiently remove Levofloxacin (LFX) by activating peroxymonosulfate (PMS). Herein, we constructed a novel Z scheme ZnFe2O4/g-C3N4/CQDs (ZCC) heterojunction by anchoring ZnFe2O4 on tubular-like g-C3N4 induced by CQDs (denoted as CNC) using microwave-assisted thermal methods. The ZCC exhibits the highest photocatalytic activity in activating PMS for LFX degradation, endowing a removal rate ∼95.3%, which is 4.8 and 7.3 times higher than that of pure ZnFe2O4 (19.8%) and g-C3N4 (13.1%), separately. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of ZCC can be attributed to the distinctive morphology of CNC, enhanced light response, increased specific surface area and abundant pore structure. Besides, the formed Z scheme heterojunction and CQDs acting as a transmission bridge of the photogenerated charges (e− and h+) can accelerate transfer and inhibit recombination of e− and h+. Radical capture experiments and electron spin resonance (ESR) measurements revealed that SO4•− and O2•− play a predominant role in degradation process of LFX. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was applied to identify intermediates and propose feasible degradation pathways of LFX. In conclusion, this study presents a promising strategy for regulating the photocatalytic activity of g-C3N4 by simultaneously integrating CQDs induction and Z scheme heterojunction construction.