Near-infrared light-triggered NaYF4: Yb3+, Tm3+@ZnO@RGO@Ag photocatalyst for efficient degradation of tetracycline†

In the domain of photocatalysis, harnessing solar energy, particularly the near-infrared (NIR) spectrum, presents formidable challenges. To overcome these, a novel NIR-responsive photocatalyst, denoted as NYT@ZnO@RGO@Ag, was meticulously crafted. This photocatalyst comprises a NaYF₄: Yb³⁺, Tm³⁺@ZnO structure supported on reduced graphene oxide (RGO) and further composited with silver nanoparticles. It was rigorously evaluated for its performance in photodegrading tetracycline (TC) antibiotics as a model compound. Leveraging the unique properties of upconversion materials, wide bandgap semiconductors, and localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR), the NYT@ZnO@RGO@Ag catalyst exhibited an impressive photodegradation rate of 93.6% for TC under NIR light exposure. This efficiency surpassed that of NYT@ZnO (38.2%) and NYT@ZnO@RGO (72.3%). The remarkable enhancement in NIR-driven photocatalysis observed in NYT@ZnO@RGO@Ag is primarily attributed to the efficient process of fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) from NYT to its each component. This process enhances photo-induced carrier generation and facilitates efficient transfer and energy utilization under NIR irradiation. The present study offers a promising approach for NIR-driven photocatalytic degradation of pollutants in environments with limited light exposure or even under dark conditions.