Preparation and characterization of novel Niln2S4/UiO-66 photocatalysts for the efficient degradation of antibiotics in water

Anhu Wang; Huagen Liang; Fu Chen; Xinlong Tian; Shengyu Jing; Panagiotis Tsiakaras

doi:10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.135699

Preparation and characterization of novel Niln₂S₄/UiO-66 photocatalysts for the efficient degradation of antibiotics in water

Chemosphere. 2022 Nov;307(Pt 1):135699. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.135699. Epub 2022 Jul 13.

Authors

Anhu Wang¹, Huagen Liang², Fu Chen³, Xinlong Tian⁴, Shengyu Jing⁵, Panagiotis Tsiakaras⁶

Affiliations

¹ Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Coal-based Greenhouse Gas Control and Utilization, Carbon Neutrality Institute, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, 221008, China; School of Materials Science and Physics, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, 221008, China.
² Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Coal-based Greenhouse Gas Control and Utilization, Carbon Neutrality Institute, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, 221008, China; School of Materials Science and Physics, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, 221008, China; Key Laboratory of Fuel Cell Technology of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, 510640, China. Electronic address: lianghg@cumt.edu.cn.
³ Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Coal-based Greenhouse Gas Control and Utilization, Carbon Neutrality Institute, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, 221008, China; School of Public Administration, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China. Electronic address: chenfu@cumt.edu.cn.
⁴ State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan Provincial Key Lab of Fine Chemistry, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, China. Electronic address: tianxl@hainanu.edu.cn.
⁵ School of Information and Control Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221008, China.
⁶ Laboratory of Alternative Energy Conversion Systems, Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Thessaly, 1 Sekeri Str., Pedion Areos, 38834, Greece. Electronic address: tsiak@uth.gr.

PMID: 35842045
DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.135699

Abstract

Photocatalysis is considered an economical, environmentally friendly, and effective technology for removing pollutants. The construction of Z-Scheme heterojunctions has been identified as one of the feasible solutions capable of enhancing the photocatalytic activity. Herein, a series of visible light responsive photocatalysts (NiIn₂S₄/UiO-66 composites) with excellent activity and stability were prepared by using a solvothermal process. It is found that 20 mg L^-1 of tetracycline (TC) could be almost completely degraded under visible light irradiation within 1 h, when the mass ratio of NiIn₂S₄ to UiO-66 is 0.5:1 (NISU-0.5) and the solution pH = 11. In addition, after six cycles, the degradation rate of tetracycline photocatalyzed by NISU-0.5 still reach up to 90%. Ultraviolet photoelectron spectra (UPS), X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS) and electron spin resonance measurements (ESR) confirm the formation of the Z-Scheme heterostructure between NiIn₂S₄ and UiO-66. The synergistic effect between built-in electric field, energy band bending and coulomb interactions in interface of Z-Scheme heterojunction is conducive to restrain the recombination of photogenerated electrons and holes, which greatly improve the photocatalytic activity. In conclusion, this study offers a new thought for design and synthesis of Z-Scheme heterojunctions and provides a cost-effective strategy for solving environmental pollution and energy problems in the future.

Keywords: Photocatalytic degradation; Synergistic effect; Tetracycline removal; Water cleaning; Z-Scheme heterojunction..

MeSH terms

Anti-Bacterial Agents* / chemistry
Bismuth / chemistry
Catalysis
Environmental Pollutants*
Metal-Organic Frameworks
Phthalic Acids
Tetracycline / chemistry
Water

Substances

Anti-Bacterial Agents
Environmental Pollutants
Metal-Organic Frameworks
Phthalic Acids
UiO-66
Water
Tetracycline
Bismuth