The efficient removal of tetracycline using copper-based MOFs under visible light

Abstract

Tetracycline plays a significant role in the medical prevention of diseases. However, its extensive use has led to the continuous accumulation of tetracycline residues in drinking water, resulting in substantial impacts on both environmental and human health. Through DFT calculations, we found that 1,4-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid exhibits a higher charge density compared to terephthalic acid, which facilitates its excitation under visible light. Consequently, we selected aromatic polycarboxylate 1,4-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid as a ligand and copper metal as a connecting agent to synthesize a MOF. Using characterization techniques such as SEM, XRD, FTIR, BET, and XPS, we determined the morphological features and crystal structure of the catalyst. The relationship between the properties of the catalyst and its photocatalytic degradation performance was investigated. The results indicate that the photocatalyst possesses a high specific surface area, an abundance of oxygen vacancies, and remarkable cycling stability. By degrading tetracycline under visible light irradiation, we achieved a removal rate of100 % in actual river water.