Efficient photocatalytic degradation of acetamiprid via Fe₂O₃/Fe-TCBPE activating peroxymonosulfate

Highly efficient photocatalysts that are easy to separate and regenerate are of great significance for the visible light-catalyzed activation and degradation of organic pollutants in water using peroxymonosulfate (PMS). In this study, A novel metal-organic framework material (Fe-TCBPE) was prepared by using iron ions (Fe³⁺) and 1,1,2,2-tetra-(4-carboxylphenyl) ethylene (H₄TCBPE) as precursors, and then it was combined with iron oxide (ferric oxide) through hydrothermal treatment. Fe₂O₃/Fe-TCBPE exhibits magnetic properties and can be separated and recovered using a magnet. The complementary bandgaps between Fe₂O₃ and Fe-TCBPE enhance the utilization of visible light, reduce electron-hole recombination rates, and form an S-scheme semiconductor heterojunction, effectively improving the photocatalytic efficiency of the composite material. The addition of Fe-TCBPE also provides Fe³⁺/Fe²⁺ cyclic ion pairs and corresponding functional groups, enhancing the catalytic activation rate of Fe₂O₃/Fe-TCBPE toward PMS. Through a synergistic catalytic mechanism involving both radical and non-radical pathways, it achieves efficient degradation of acetamiprid. Under optimal experimental conditions, the degradation rate of 10 ppm acetamiprid reached 99.3 % within 30 min. This work provides a feasible method for the application of conjugated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in advanced oxidation water treatment.