A novel Zn-based MOF for efficiently degrading tetracycline under visible light

To solve the increasingly serious problem of antibiotic contamination, zinc-based MOF photocatalysts with unique structures were synthesized by a one-step hydrothermal method. The visible-light-driven photocatalytic degradation efficiency of tetracycline (TC) in aqueous solution was systematically evaluated. The characteristics of photocatalysts were analyzed by various characterization techniques. Experimental results showed that the MOF photocatalyst with organic ligands has better degradation ability under visible light than that without ligands. The removal efficiency of TC at a concentration of 40 mg⋅L⁻¹ was 87.5% under the irradiation of visible light. The studies show that it is effective to degrade other antibiotics of TC class. Furthermore, the results indicate that this catalyst maintains high efficiency in natural water and under varying pH conditions (acidic to alkaline), highlighting its promise for TC degradation. This study provides a new pathway for degrading TC contaminant in water system by employing different organic ligandin MOF catalyst.