C3N4 anchored ZIF 8 composites: photo-regenerable, high capacity sorbents as adsorptive photocatalysts for the effective removal of tetracycline from water

Abstract

Materials combining the abilities of adsorption and photocatalysis provide a facile solution for pollutant disposal as secondary remediation processes are avoided. Herein, we report a simple strategy for the development of C₃N₄ anchored ZIF-8 microcrystals as sheathed architectures for the highly efficient adsorption and sunlight induced photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline from solution. An adsorption capacity as high as 420 mg g⁻¹ of adsorbent was realized for a composition containing 60 : 40 wt% of C₃N₄ and ZIF. Subsequently, the adsorbed tetracycline was degraded to over 96% in 1 h of sunlight exposure. The effects of pH and adsorbate concentration are studied and valid adsorption and degradation kinetic models are arrived at. The bifunctional composite thus developed offers a photo-regenerable adsorbent for the effective removal of an emerging hazardous contaminant.