Harnessing potassium peroxymonosulfate activation of WO 3 /diatomite composites for efficient photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline

• Published in: RSC advances 2024-08, Vol.14 (34), p.25019-25030
• Main Authors: Nguyen, The Luan, Tran, Hong Huy, Huynh, Tu Cam, Le, Khoa Tien, Cao, Thi Minh, Pham, Viet Van
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 2046-2069; 2046-2069
• DOI: 10.1039/D4RA04447A

The increasing prevalence of pharmaceutical contaminants in aquatic ecosystems poses profound challenges for both environmental sustainability and public health. Addressing this pressing issue requires the development of innovative, cost-effective, and efficient remediation approaches. Here we report the synthesis of WO /diatomite composites and their photocatalytic degradation in conjunction with potassium peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation. By leveraging the synergistic effects, we observe a remarkable degradation of tetracycline, a significant pharmaceutical contaminant, under visible light. Analytically, we have elucidated the driving factors for the enhanced performance, emphasizing the optimal amount of WO (10%) in the composite and PMS concentration (3 mM). Specifically, the WO /diatomite catalyst presents a degradation rate of 80.75% tetracycline (40 mg L ) after 180 min of visible light irradiation. Also, we elucidate the primary roles of ˙SO radicals in driving the photocatalytic reaction using free radical trapping studies. Our approach not only offers a direct solution to controlling pharmaceutical contamination but also opens new possibilities for advancing the design of composite-based photocatalysts by taking advantage of nature-derived materials.