Activation of PMS by MIL-53(Fe)@AC composites contributes to tetracycline degradation: properties and mechanisms

The one-pot method was employed to synthesize MIL-53(Fe)@AC, which achieved a degradation efficiency of 92.14% for tetracycline (TC) within 120 min compared with activated carbon (AC) and MIL-53(Fe). Moreover, it demonstrated excellent TC degradation efficiency across the pH range of 2.5-10.5. It retained 89% of the degradation performance after 5 cycles, showcasing its good stability. The quenching experiments and EPR analyses revealed that the SO4∙− /OH⋅/ ∙O2− / 1O2 active species were mainly produced in the catalytic system, and three pathways for TC degradation were analyzed. MIL-53(Fe)@AC emerged as a reliable choice for PMS activation in a wide range of practical applications in antibiotic catabolism due to its excellent performance, stability, and adaptability.