Robust degradation of tetracycline antibiotic through recyclable Fe3S4/Ti3C2MXene composites

Abstract

The efficient and sustainable removal of tetracycline (TC) from wastewater is a matter of great significance. In this study, we present a novel technique that effectively degrades TC by harnessing the synergistic effects of Fe₃S₄/Ti₃C₂MXene. The Fe₃S₄/Ti₃C₂MXene composite, specifically designed for this purpose, exhibits exceptional magnetic properties derived from Fe₃S₄. Our research demonstrates that this composite significantly enhances TC degradation through Fenton activity, achieving an impressive degradation rate of over 90%. Notably, when TC is subjected to the Fe₃S₄/Ti₃C₂MXene + H₂O₂ system, it generates a substantial amount of reactive oxygen species, including ˙OH and ˙O₂⁻. Among these species, ˙OH, primarily produced on the surface of Fe₃S₄/Ti₃C₂MXene, plays a dominant role in TC degradation. In contrast, pristine Fe₃S₄ or Ti₃C₂MXene alone does not exhibit comparable degradation capabilities under similar conditions. Moreover, the Fe₃S₄/Ti₃C₂MXene composite demonstrates excellent reusability and high stability over four consecutive cycles. Gas/liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/LC–MS) analysis was utilized to identify the intermediates of TC degradation, and a possible degradation pathway was proposed. These findings highlight the potential of Fe₃S₄/Ti₃C₂MXene composites in enhancing the Fenton degradation process and unveil an encouraging tactic for the successful elimination of TC from wastewater.