Peroxymonosulfate-assisted visible light sensitive 0D/3D Z-scheme NiCo2O4@g-C3N4 photocatalyst for effective degradation of ibuprofen in water

Herein, a 0D/3D NiCo2O4@g-C3N4 Z-scheme photocatalyst was successfully synthesized to degrade ibuprofen (IBP) in a photocatalytic system in the presence of PMS under visible light. The 5%-NiCo2O4@g-C3N4 exhibited the highest IBP degradation performance at 96% IBP removal in 60 min in the near-neutral pH range of 6 to 9. Factors such as PMS concentration, pH, catalyst dosage, IBP concentration, and temperature on IBP degradation were studied. Scavenging tests and EPR analyses confirmed the role of main reactive species, including h+, 1O2, and SO4−, in IBP degradation. The photocatalytic degradation products of IBP were more benign than the parent compound. Experiments on cyclic degradation and analyses of fresh and used photocatalysts corroborated the remarkable stability of NiCo2O4@g-C3N4. This study established a new framework for developing effective PMS photo-activator in the remediation of impaired water.