Preparation of rambutan-shaped hollow ZnFe2O4 sphere photocatalyst for the degradation of tetracycline by visible-light photocatalytic persulfate activation

With the extensive abuse of antibiotics, antibiotics can be detected in various water bodies, endangering the human living environment and leading to human health problems. Photocatalytic technology can achieve an efficient and stable removal of antibiotics in the water environment. In this work, solvothermal-calcination method prepared the rambutan-shaped hollow ZnFe2O4 photocatalysts composed of different thickness sheets at different temperatures. The as-prepared materials were applied for the photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline (TC) in the activation of persulfate (PS) under visible light irradiation. The results exhibit that when the calcination temperature is 400 degrees C, the ZFO-400 sample exhibits optimal photocatalytic activity based on the PS activation due to the high specific surface area, which can present more active sites. In addition, the modified ZFO-400 material can show better visible light absorption, light under the same conditions, can stimulate more light raw charge, and further enhance its photocatalytic effect. Furthermore, by adjusting the pH value of the system, more superior degradation effect was obtained, and the degradation rate of TC is up to 100% within 60 min visible light irradiation. Finally, the as-prepared photocatalytic material showed good magnetic recycling utilization.