Azobenzene-modified Ag/Ag2O/CN photocatalysts with photoresponsive performance for controllable photodegradation of tetracyclines

Abstract

In the process of treating tetracyclines in wastewater, the influence of the surrounding environment on the efficiency of tetracycline removal plays a vital role. We have successfully prepared Azo@Ag/Ag₂O/CN photocatalytic materials that are intelligently responsive to light of different wavelengths via direct precipitation and emulsion polymerization. Tetracyclines are used to simulate pollutants, proving that Azo@Ag/Ag₂O/CN achieves intelligent responsiveness under different wavelengths of light. Azo@Ag/Ag₂O/CN exhibits conversion from a trans structure to a cis structure when irradiated by UV light, while Vis light irradiation shows the opposite reaction. The photocatalytic degradation rate of the Azo@Ag/Ag₂O-10/CN photocatalyst reached 87.7% under Vis light irradiation. Azo@Ag/Ag₂O/CN will be converted from a cis structure to a trans structure, and the Ag/Ag₂O-10/CN photocatalyst can be released and the contact angle does not change around 130°, showing a state of relaxation. This experiment realized the controllability of the photocatalyst to light.