ZIF-67 loaded lotus leaf-derived biochar for efficient peroxymonosulfate activation for sustained levofloxacin degradation

In this study, a ZIF-67-containing lotus leaf biochar substrate (LLZ) was prepared to efficiently activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for the degradation of levofloxacin (LVF). The introduction of LLZ enhanced the electron transfer efficiency between the components, which further improved LVF degradation effect. The most effective catalyst (LLZ-1) achieved a 99.2% LVF degradation rate within short 16 min. The catalyst exhibited high reusability and could effectively degrade LVF for even twenty cycles. Combining density functional theory calculations and analytical results of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometer (LC-MS) in the LLZ/PMS system, 15 intermediates were identified, with the degradation pathway of LVF clearly determined. As a macroscopic material, LLZ-1 has improved recyclability and resistance to various environmental impacts. Collectively, our findings demonstrate the practical applicability of metal–organic frameworks such as LLZ in water treatment.