The Visible light-driven activation of peroxymonosulfate for boosting tetracycline degradation using B-doped g-C3N4 nanotubes

Abstract

Using photocatalysis to activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS) under visible light is an intriguing possibility for removing contaminants from wastewater. Since its discovery as a powerful photocatalyst, g-C3N4 has attracted the interest of researchers due to its ability to activate PMS for removal of organic contaminants. In this study, we report the preparation of boron-doped g-C3N4 nanotubes (1DBCN) produced through a simple calcination technique that effectively photodegraded tetracycline (TC) with PMS activators under visible light. 1DBCN exhibits 99% of TC using a catalyst of 0.5 g/L and 0.3 mM PMS at pH 7 within 30 minutes. Moreover, the study extensively analyzed the effect of PMS concentration and proposed a potential reaction mechanism. The introduction of B in graphitic carbon nitride (GCN) nanotubes reduces the band gap and broadens the visible light absorption range. The combined unique nanotube morphology and doping contributed to the exceptional photocatalytic performance exhibited by the synthesized photocatalyst nanotubes. Overall, this research contributes to the development of advanced oxidation processes and sustainable water treatment technologies by utilizing visible-light-driven photocatalysis for the removal of organic pollutants from wastewater.