Co/ZnO/C Heterostructured Nanowires Derived from Layered Hydroxides: Magnetically Recyclable Photocatalysts for Efficient Tetracycline Degradation

Abstract

Preparation of highly active and stable photocatalysts for tetracycline degradation remains a significant challenge. Herein, we report the synthesis of Co/ZnO/C heterostructured nanowires (NWs) through the pyrolysis of salicylate anions intercalated ZnCo-layered hydroxide nanorods (LHRs), where ZnO and Co nanoparticles (NPs) are uniformly dispersed within the graphite carbon matrix. The synergistic interaction between the graphite carbon shell and nanoparticle core enhances catalyst efficiency, while the carbon layer acts as a fast charge transfer pathway, thereby improving the overall charge transfer efficiency. As a result, the optimized Co/ZnO/C NWs exhibit remarkable photocatalytic activity in the degradation of tetracycline (TC), achieving a degradation rate of up to 147.9 mg gcat -1 h -1 , which is among the highest degradation rates reported to date. Additionally, the prepared catalyst demonstrates the strong magnetism of Co NPs, enabling its facile recovery and reuse through magnetic separation.