Facile synthesis of Ag@AgCl/ZnAl-LDH sesame balls nanocomposites with enhanced photocatalytic performance for the degradation of neonicotinoid pesticides

In this study, the degradation of nitenpyram (NTP) using Ag@AgCl/ZnAl-LDH (AACMO) material photocatalytically activated peroxymonosulfate (PMS) system was analyzed. As photocatalysts, Ag@AgCl and calcined zinc-aluminum layered double hydroxide (MMO) had high efficiency to achieve the separation of charge. In addition, the electron injection from AACMO to PMS facilitated the production of active species. Through the AACMO/PMS/Vis system, 40 mg/L of nitenpyram (NTP, 50 mL) could be removed in 45 min with the use of 0.8 g/L of photocatalyst and 0.2 g/L of PMS on the basis of optimal reaction conditions and visible light (780 nm > λ > 420 nm). According to electron paramagnetic resonance technology and free radical quenching tests, the removal of contaminants was promoted by 1 O 2 , h + , SO 4 - •, •O 2 – , and •OH. Moreover, the photodegradation of NTP occurring within the AACMO/PMS/Vis system was almost equally effective for   the water from four different water bodies. In general, the AACMO/PMS/Vis system had high efficiency and could be employed for the water pollution control in agricultural production.