Visible-light driven sonophotocatalytic removal of tetracycline using Ca-doped ZnO nanoparticles

Highly efficient, long-term, eco-friendly catalysts for water decontamination technology are urgently needed to meet the prioritized objectives of green development and societies worldwide. Ca-doped ZnO was investigated as environmentally friendly sono-photocatalytic system under LED visible light irradiation efficiently mineralize tetracycline-based antibiotics. The effects pH, Ca doping, light, ultrasound, pH on mineralization tetracycline by nanopowders chemical, sono-, photo- sono-photostability were systematically investigated. ZnO-based catalyst with 2 at. % dopant exhibited best performance in mineralizing tetracyclines ultrasound (i.e., ?99% 90 min), excellent reusability minimal sono-photocorrosion ?1% dissolution 180 which even greater absence organic pollutants range most natural waters. For nanopowders, role generated reactive oxygen species stimulation mechanism analyzed. In conclusion, antibiotics synergizing weak presence presents an outstanding start developing highly treating emerging pollutants.