Visible-light-induced peroxymonosulfate activation over ZnFe2O4 fine nanoparticles for ofloxacin degradation

Widespread overuse and misuse of antibiotics has led to unintended consequences, it is necessary find effective ways remove antibiotics. In this study, a visible-light-response photocatalyst zinc ferrite (ZnFe2O4) was synthesized via hydrothermal method. Meanwhile, the X-ray diffraction, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller, scanning electron microscope, photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectra analysis were applied characterize structure, morphology, physicochemical properties ZnFe2O4. The results indicated that ZnFe2O4 circular granular morphology with particle size approximately 30–50 nm noticeable intergranular agglomeration. specific surface area, pore volume, diameter determined be 126.8655 m2/g, 0.2046 cm3/g, 64.5190 Å, respectively, representing had large area. Moreover, enhancement degradation efficiency ofloxacin (OFL) by peroxymonosulfate (PMS) under visible light (Vis) systematically evaluated. exhibited achieved relatively optimum catalytic activity 80.9% OFL in 30 min at pH 6.0 PMS concentration 100 mg/L corresponding pseudo-first-order kinetic constant 0.0438 min–1. addition, effects dosage, concentration, initial solution pH, water matrix on comprehensively investigated Vis/PMS/ZnFe2O4 process. Furthermore, excellent stability reusability for degradation. process would reliable alternative OFL-like solve increasingly serious problem antibiotic pollution.