In situ generation of Cu(III) synergized with crystalline amorphous strong interfacial interaction for autocatalytic degradation of LEV

The practical potential of metal catalysts in the advanced oxidation degradation of antibiotics has been seriously limited due to the secondary pollution caused by their application. To tackle this challenge, this study proposes an innovative approach that utilizes attapulgite/biochar composites for adsorbing heavy metals in wastewater and forming biscuit-type composites with crystalline/amorphous structures to effectively degrade antibiotics. The results show that a bimetallic amorphous layer forms on the surface of materials after Cu and Cd adsorption. This distinctive bimetallic amorphous/crystalline structure can generate highly active intermediates (e.g., Cu(III)) through an electron transfer mechanism, which is essential for the subsequent removal of levofloxacin (LEV). By investigating the formation mechanism of the amorphous/crystalline structure, it is revealed that this structure exhibits superior catalytic performance compared to the crystal structure. Moreover, this research offers an in-depth analysis of the interactions among multiple contaminants, elucidating the pivotal roles played by Cu(III) and Cd in this process. This discovery offers a novel perspective on the practical treatment of wastewater, enhancing not only the efficiency of the process but also the reduction of potential secondary contamination. It also provides a promising avenue for the advancement of environmentally conscious wastewater treatment technology.