Design and synthesis of α-Fe2O3/MIL-53(Fe) composite as a photo-Fenton catalyst for efficient degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride

In this study, the α-Fe2O3/MIL-53(Fe) composite was successfully designed and developed through a solvothermal method as a photo-Fenton catalyst and for the degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride (TC-HCl). The results show that the prepared composite exhibits superb performance for the degradation of TC-HCl ascribing to the synergistic effect between MIL-53(Fe) and α-Fe2O3. And the formation of heterojunction structure is beneficial to reducing the band gap, enhancing the absorption of visible light, and improving the separation and transportation of photo-induced carriers. Moreover, this heterojunction structure can be formed without annealing treatment. The effects of pH, H2O2 consumption and catalyst dosage on the degradation of TC-HCl are also investigated. The optimum conditions for target pollutant degradation were investigated according to the response surface methodology (RSM) result based on a central composite design (CCD). A possible mechanism of degradation of TC-HCl is proposed according to the main active radical that existed in the reaction process. This work provides a novelty perspective and in-depth and independent insight for the photo-Fenton mechanism of heterojunction structure modified MOFs material.