Microwave-hydrothermal synthesis of a novel, recyclable and stable photocatalytic nanoreactor for recognition and degradation of tetracycline

Abstract

A unique Ppy@CdS/ZnFe₂O₄ nanoreactor is fabricated via the microwave-hydrothermal method and surface-imprinting technique, which effectively enhances the recyclability, stability, and selectivity for recognition and degradation of tetracycline under visible-light irradiation. The as-prepared functional nanoreactor enables photocatalytic reactions with little loss of activity during the recycling process. In addition, the capture experiments and ESR exploration show that h⁺ and ˙OH play the major roles in this photocatalytic reaction. Therefore, this study not only puts forward a novel design concept that develops the potential application value of CdS, but also provides a new approach for inhibiting its secondary pollution. Moreover, this nanoreactor has huge potential for the continuous and selective decomposition of specific pollutant molecules according to practical requirements.