Analysis of Tetracycline Modification Based on g-C<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub> Photocatalytic Degradation

To address challenges in antibiotic wastewater treatment, we synthesized a series of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub>)-based photocatalysts (BCN, PCN, TCN, BTCN, and TCNE-modified PTCN) via defect engineering. TCNE modification disrupted the triazine rin...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Jinghang Li, Qi Shi, Chaoyu Song, Chenxi Shi, Yuguang Lv
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-03-01
Series:Inorganics
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2304-6740/13/3/77
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Summary:To address challenges in antibiotic wastewater treatment, we synthesized a series of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub>)-based photocatalysts (BCN, PCN, TCN, BTCN, and TCNE-modified PTCN) via defect engineering. TCNE modification disrupted the triazine ring-bridging amino network in PTCN, forming a porous structure with enhanced specific surface area validated by SEM/TEM while retaining the graphene-like framework confirmed by XRD/FTIR. Photoluminescence (PL) analysis revealed prolonged photogenerated carrier lifetime and improved separation efficiency in PTCN, achieving 89.10% degradation of chlortetracycline hydrochloride under visible light—1.65-fold higher than pristine g-C<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub>. Mechanistic studies identified superoxide radicals (•O<sub>2</sub><sup>−</sup>) as dominant active species, generated via O<sub>2</sub> activation at defect sites and efficient electron-hole utilization. Optimized conditions enabled PTCN to maintain high activity across a broad pH range and retain 82.59% efficiency after five cycles. This work advances defect-engineered photocatalyst design for adaptable, high-performance antibiotic degradation, offering practical insights for wastewater remediation.
ISSN:2304-6740