Molecules (Feb 2023)

In-Depth Insight into the Ag/CNQDs/g-C<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub> Photocatalytic Degradation of Typical Antibiotics: Influence Factor, Mechanism and Toxicity Evaluation of Intermediates

  • Chen Li,
  • Tianyi Sun,
  • Guohui Yi,
  • Dashuai Zhang,
  • Yan Zhang,
  • Xiaoxue Lin,
  • Jinrui Liu,
  • Zaifeng Shi,
  • Qiang Lin

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28041597
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 28, no. 4
p. 1597

Abstract

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In this paper, the photocatalytic degradation efficiency of typical antibiotics (norfloxacin (NOR), sulfamethoxazole (SMX) and tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH)) by Ag/CNQDs/g-C3N4 under visible light irradiation was studied. Various strategies were applied to characterize the morphology, structure and photochemical properties of the Ag/CNQDs/g-C3N4 composites. The superior photocatalytic activity of Ag/CNQDs/g-C3N4 was attributed to the wide light response range and the enhancement of interfacial charge transfer. At the same time, the effect of the influence factors (pH, Humic acid (HA) and coexisting ions) on the antibiotics degradation were also investigated. Furthermore, the electron spin resonance (ESR) technology, free radical quenching experiments, LC/MS and DFT theoretical calculations were applied to predict and identify the active groups and intermediates during the photocatalytic degradation process. In addition, Ag/CNQDs/g-C3N4 exhibited the obvious antibacterial effect to Escherichia coli due to the addition of Ag NPs. This study develops a new way for the removal of emerging antibiotic pollution from wastewaters.

Keywords