Non-radical degradation mechanism on ZnO quantum dots/hollow-sphere g-C₃N₄ S-scheme heterojunction photocatalysts for tetracycline degradation.

ABSTRACT: Photocatalytic technology is currently one of the most effective methods for removing tetracycline (TC) from the environment; however, the underlying photocatalytic mechanism remains unclear. In this study, zinc oxide quantum dots (ZnO-QDs)/hollow-sphere g-C₃N₄ (CNHS) S-scheme heterojunction photocatalysts were synthesized for the photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline. Experimental results showed that the 7% ZnO-QDs/CNHS photocatalyst exhibited excellent TC degradation efficiency, with a removal rate of 80.2% within 15 min. Through free radical conversion pathway analysis, singlet oxygen (¹O₂) was identified as the primary active species responsible for tetracycline degradation. Further calculations indicated that the combination of holes (h

SUBMITTER: Meng Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12509197 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature