Photocatalytic pathway toward real time control of tetracycline from industrial wastewater mediated by hetero-structure CuFe2O4-SnS2

• Published in: Journal of environmental chemical engineering 2023-02, Vol.11 (1), p.109129, Article 109129
• Main Authors: Rajamani, Manju, Rajan, Aswathy, Neppolian, Bernaurdshaw
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Antibiotic; Copper ferrite; Heterojunction; Photocatalytic degradation; Stannic sulfide
• ISSN: 2213-3437; 2213-3437
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jece.2022.109129

Finding a more effective, long-lasting method to remove antibiotics from wastewater has become more important due to the growth of multi-resistant bacteria by the wide spread of antibiotics. Amidst, photocatalytic degradation process is vital in elimination of contaminants of emerging concern. In this work, CuFe2O4 (CF) coupled with SnS2 (SS), for the first time, was systematically synthesized (CFSS) and the photocatalytic performances were investigated by the photodegradation of tetracycline (TC) under irradiation. The physicochemical features of the nano-photocatalyst were characterized using various spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. The as-developed CFSS (1:2) (k – 0.042 min−1) exhibited exceptional ability towards visible light- mediated TC degradation with an efficiency (η) of almost 98%, which was 6.8 and 11.99 times greater than the pristine CF and SS. The photocatalytic ability of CFSS was further explored by employing the catalyst in real time control of TC from pharmaceutical plant effluent, with degradation efficiency (η) of 87.4%. CFSS has the desirable qualities of an ideal photocatalyst including affordability, improved mineralization efficiency of TC and its recyclability upto six runs (η ∼ 93%). This new nano-photocatalyst with reasonable reusability and stability, aims to offer fresh ideas for improving the photocatalytic decontamination of persistent emerging contaminants. [Display omitted] •Stable heterojunction of CuFe2O4 and SnS2 was fabricated.•Photodegradation efficacy found to be superior towards tetracycline (TC).•The catalyst showed reasonable reuse potential with high stability.•Exhibited unprecedented efficacy towards TC degradation in pharmaceutical effluent.•Proficient towards TC degradation in the presence of interfering ions and molecules.