Mg-Doped ZnO-PVDF Composite Membranes by Interfacial Film-Forming Method for Adsorption and Piezoelectric Degradation of Tetracycline in Water

Abstract

Water pollution is a critical global environmental challenge, necessitating efficient and innovative remediation strategies. This work outlines the successful synthesis of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) composite membranes infused with varying proportions of magnesium-doped zinc oxide (MgZnO) using an economical and simplified interfacial film-forming method. The MgZnO0.1PVDF1–1 composite membrane demonstrates exceptional and stable purification performance, significantly reducing the amount of antibiotics in water through a combination of static adsorption and ultrasound-guided piezoelectric degradation. SEM/FTIR/XPS/BET analyses postulate the underlying adsorption mechanisms as surface complexation, ion-dipole interaction, and cation exchange coupled with piezoelectric catalysis via the ion-dipole moment effect. The degradation process leverages a unique converse and positive piezoelectric effect, inducing surface mechanical deformation and internal free radical polarization and fostering outstanding tetracycline (TC) degradation. Comprehensive experiments considering variables such as pH, concentration, and reaction time further substantiate the superior performance of MgZnO0.1PVDF1–1, achieving an impressive maximum TC removal ratio of 86%. The high TC removal efficiency, enduring recycle performance, and economical operative method underline MgZnO0.1PVDF1–1 as a significant potential for mitigating antibiotic water pollution.