Configuration modulation of vermiculite by exfoliation coupled Cu(II) anchoring for boosting removal of tetracycline via synergy of adsorption and photocatalysis

Integrated adsorption and photocatalysis is a worth frontier strategy for recalcitrant organics elimination, yet the current challenge is developing materials featured with dual functions of adsorption/photocatalytic ability. In this scenario, a novel attractive exfoliated vermiculite coupling with Cu(II) composite (eVT@Cu) was tactfully engineered. Specifically, exfoliated structure containing vast negative charge was conductive for Cu(II) loading. The anchored Cu(II) played triple roles in this system, that is, regulating electron configuration of photocatalyst with narrow bandgap, as well as providing complexation sites for tetracycline (TC) enrichment. With the help of inherent Fe(III), Cu(II) was readily to form heterogeneous high-valence Cu(III) driven by photonic energy. Benefited by these effects, eVT@Cu exhibited extremely augment on TC removal compared to pristine VT and eVT, with ca. 80% removal efficiency through the synergy of adsorption and photocatalysis. Overall, this study not only provides an excellent environmental candidate for TC removal but also opens a brand-new perspective for the generation of heterogeneous high-valence Cu(III) over eVT@Cu under visible light.