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Zhang BB, Bai CW, Chen XJ, Sun YJ, Yang Q, Chen F. 2D/2D heterojunctions for rapid and self-cleaning removal of antibiotics via visible light-assisted peroxymonosulfate activation: Efficiency, synergistic effects, and applications. J Hazard Mater 2024; 468:133816. [PMID: 38377912 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Developing eco-friendly and efficient technologies for treating antibiotic wastewater is crucial. Traditional methods face challenges in incomplete removal, high costs, and secondary pollution. Heterogeneous peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation assisted by visible light shows promise, but suitable activators remain a huge challenge. Here, we synthesized cost-effective carbon nitride/bismuth bromide oxide (CN/BiOBr) heterojunctions. Such a heterojunction achieved rapid PMS activation, achieving over 90.00% tetracycline (TC) removal only within 1 min (kobs of 2.23 min-1), surpassing previous systems by nearly 1-2 orders of magnitude and even remarkably superior to the popular single-atom catalysts. The system exhibited self-cleaning properties, maintaining activity after 8 cycles and stability across a wide pH range (3.01 to 9.03). Quenching experiments and theoretical calculations elucidated the exclusive •O2- species involvement and removal pathways. Eco-toxicity assessment and total organic carbon results confirmed simultaneous degradation, detoxification, and mineralization. This system also showed excellent resistance to environmental factors, e.g., coexisting anions, varying pH, and water sources, and demonstrated potential in coking and medical wastewater purification. This study presents a novel technique for rapidly decontaminating antibiotic wastewater through visible light-assisted PMS activation and introduces innovative bionic catalytic oxidation combining light and darkness for practical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin-Bin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400045, China
| | - Chang-Wei Bai
- Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400045, China
| | - Xin-Jia Chen
- Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400045, China
| | - Yi-Jiao Sun
- Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400045, China
| | - Qi Yang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Fei Chen
- Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400045, China.
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Chen F, Sun YJ, Huang XT, Bai CW, Zhang ZQ, Duan PJ, Chen XJ, Yang Q, Yu HQ. Embedding electronic perpetual motion into single-atom catalysts for persistent Fenton-like reactions. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2314396121. [PMID: 38236736 PMCID: PMC10823243 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2314396121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
In our quest to leverage the capabilities of the emerging single-atom catalysts (SACs) for wastewater purification, we confronted fundamental challenges related to electron scarcity and instability. Through meticulous theoretical calculations, we identified optimal placements for nitrogen vacancies (Nv) and iron (Fe) single-atom sites, uncovering a dual-site approach that significantly amplified visible-light absorption and charge transfer dynamics. Informed by these computational insights, we cleverly integrated Nv into the catalyst design to boost electron density around iron atoms, yielding a potent and flexible photoactivator for benign peracetic acid. This exceptional catalyst exhibited remarkable stability and effectively degraded various organic contaminants over 20 cycles with self-cleaning properties. Specifically, the Nv sites captured electrons, enabling their swift transfer to adjacent Fe sites under visible light irradiation. This mechanism accelerated the reduction of the formed "peracetic acid-catalyst" intermediate. Theoretical calculations were used to elucidate the synergistic interplay of dual mechanisms, illuminating increased adsorption and activation of reactive molecules. Furthermore, electron reduction pathways on the conduction band were elaborately explored, unveiling the production of reactive species that enhanced photocatalytic processes. A six-flux model and associated parameters were also applied to precisely optimize the photocatalytic process, providing invaluable insights for future photocatalyst design. Overall, this study offers a molecule-level insight into the rational design of robust SACs in a photo-Fenton-like system, with promising implications for wastewater treatment and other high-value applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Chen
- Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region’s Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing400045, China
| | - Yi-Jiao Sun
- Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region’s Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing400045, China
| | - Xin-Tong Huang
- Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region’s Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing400045, China
| | - Chang-Wei Bai
- Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region’s Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing400045, China
| | - Zhi-Quan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region’s Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing400045, China
| | - Pi-Jun Duan
- Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region’s Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing400045, China
| | - Xin-Jia Chen
- Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region’s Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing400045, China
| | - Qi Yang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha410082, China
| | - Han-Qing Yu
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei230036, China
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Chen XJ, Bai CW, Sun YJ, Huang XT, Zhang BB, Zhang YS, Yang Q, Wu JH, Chen F. pH-Driven Efficacy of the Ferrate(VI)-Peracetic Acid System in Swift Sulfonamide Antibiotic Degradation: A Deep Dive into Active Species Evolution and Mechanistic Insights. Environ Sci Technol 2023; 57:20206-20218. [PMID: 37965750 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c06370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
In the realm of wastewater treatment, the power of ferrate (Fe(VI)) and peracetic acid (PAA) as oxidants stands out. But their combined might is where the enhancement truly lies. Their collaborative effect intensifies, but the underlying mechanics, especially across varying pH levels and pollutant types, still lurks in obscurity. Our study delved into the sophisticated oxidation interplay among Fe(VI)-PAA, Fe(VI)-H2O2, and standalone Fe(VI) systems. Notably, at a pH of 9.0, boasting a kinetic constant of ∼0.127 M-1·s-1, the Fe(VI)-PAA system annihilated the pollutant sulfamethoxazole, outpacing its counterparts by a staggering 48.73-fold when compared to the Fe(VI)-H2O2 system and 105.58-fold when using Fe(VI) individually. The behavior of active species─such as the dynamic •OH radicals and high-valent iron species (Fe(IV)/Fe(V))─shifted with pH variations, leading to distinct degradation pathways. Our detailed exploration pinpoints the behaviors of certain species across pH levels from 3.0 to 9.0. In more acidic environments, the •OH species proved indispensable for the system's reactivity. Conversely, as the pH inclined, degradation was increasingly steered by high-valent iron species. This intensive probe demystifies Fe(VI) interactions, deepening our understanding of the capabilities of the Fe(VI)-centered system and guiding us toward cleaner water solutions. Importantly, pH value, often underappreciated, holds the reins in organic wastewater decontamination. Embracing this key player is vital as we strategize for more expansive systems in upcoming ventures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Jia Chen
- Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400045, China
| | - Chang-Wei Bai
- Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400045, China
| | - Yi-Jiao Sun
- Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400045, China
| | - Xin-Tong Huang
- Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400045, China
| | - Bin-Bin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400045, China
| | - Yi-Shuo Zhang
- Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400045, China
| | - Qi Yang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Jing-Hang Wu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Fei Chen
- Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400045, China
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Zhu KA, Chen XJ, Yuan CW, Bai CW, Sun YJ, Zhang BB, Chen F. Orientated construction of visible-light-assisted peroxymonosulfate activation system for antibiotic removal: Significant enhancing effect of Cl . J Hazard Mater 2023; 445:130476. [PMID: 36455327 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.130476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Antibiotic contaminants can migrate over long distances in the water, thus possibly causing severe detriment to the environment and even potential harm to human health. Heterogeneous activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) assisted by visible light is an emerging and promising technology for the purification of such wastewater. This study designed an ultra-efficient and stable PMS activator (FeCN) to restore the typical antibiotic-polluted water under harsh conditions. About 90.94% of sulfamethoxazole (SMX) was degraded in 35 min in the constructed FeCN+PMS/vis system, and the reaction rate constant was nearly 50-fold higher than direct photocatalysis. Electron spin resonance, quenching experiments, LC/MS technique, eco-toxicity assessment, and density functional theory validated that the SMX removal was dominated by the attack of h+, •O2- and 1O2 on the active atoms of SMX molecules with high Fukui index, presenting as a simultaneous degradation and detoxification process. Such a visible-light-assisted PMS activation system also had good resistance to the environmental water bodies and a broad spectrum in the degradation of various pollutants. In particular, Cl- (50 mM) could significantly accelerate the removal of SMX with a 32.6-fold increase in catalytic activity, and the mineralization efficiency could reach 56.6% under identical conditions. Moreover, this Cl- containing system excluded the degradation products of disinfection by-products, and such a system was also versatile for different contaminants. This work demonstrates the feasibility of the FeCN+PMS/vis system for the remediation of antibiotic-contaminated wastewater in the presence and absence of Cl-, and also highlights their great potential in WWTPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke-An Zhu
- Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400045, China
| | - Xin-Jia Chen
- Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400045, China
| | - Chao-Wei Yuan
- Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400045, China
| | - Chang-Wei Bai
- Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400045, China
| | - Yi-Jiao Sun
- Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400045, China
| | - Bin-Bin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400045, China
| | - Fei Chen
- Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400045, China.
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