Magnetic Fe3O4/CeO2/g-C3N4 composites with a visible-light response as a high efficiency Fenton photocatalyst to synergistically degrade tetracycline

Magnetic Fe 3 O 4 /CeO 2 /g-C 3 N 4 (FCG) composites with a visible-light response were successfully synthesized and characterized as a heterogeneous Fenton-like catalyst for tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) degradation. The optimal mass ratio, pH value, catalyst addition, H 2 O 2 concentration, and temperature were explored. Photodegradation studies showed the best activity when the mass ratio of the composite was 1:0.75:0.75 (F 1 C 0.75 G 0.75 ) and the removal rate of TCH by F 1 C 0.75 G 0.75 reached 96.63% after 180 min. The first order kinetic constant of the reaction system was 0.0533 min −1 . According to the test of free radical scavenger and metal leaching tests, the Fenton-like degradation of TCH by F 1 C 0.75 G 0.75 composite was analyzed. g-C 3 N 4 effectively reduced the leaching of Fe and the location where TCH was attacked by hydroxyl radicals was mainly on the surface of the catalyst. The reusability of the F 1 C 0.75 G 0.75 composites was also studied after five cycles.