Photocatalytic and persulfate-facilitated tetracycline degradation using NiFe2O4/carbon/polymer membranes: Activity and stability during flow-through

• DOI: 10.1016/j.apsusc.2024.160603
• Publication Date: 2024-06-25T16:34:32Z
• Authors: Jandira Leichtweis; Yasmin Vieira; Elvis Carissimi; Mathias Ulbricht; Lukas Fischer
• Keywords: Persulfate; Phase inversion; Photodegradation

We synthesized NiFe2O4/carbon composite nanoparticles through a straightforward co-precipitation method, and incorporated these particles into porous polyethersulfone (PES) membranes via casting solution blending film cum phase separation. The resulting photocatalytic were used for the oxidative degradation of tetracycline (TC) in flow–through. could demonstrate higher catalytic activity acidic conditions, enhancement under visible light irradiation, 3x TC removal by persulfate (PS) comparison to H2O2. Moreover, we observed leaching all Ni from NiFe2O4 after using membrane 30 h flow-through 5 ppm with PS. This was accompanied loss total organic carbon activity, suggesting that plays an important role as mineralization promoter. However, no Fe occurred situ formed FexOy retained high conversion contact highlighting exceptional long-term stability. further identified substrate desorption, catalyst complexation, metal can be facilitated presence radical scavengers. significantly contributed their inhibitory effects, illustrating altered substrate-catalyst interaction may frequently overlooked during detection species.