Novel catalytic behavior of defective nanozymes with catalase-mimicking characteristics for the degradation of tetracycline

Although nanozymes have shown significant potential in wastewater treatment, enhancing their degradation performance remains challenging. Herein, a novel catalytic behavior was revealed for defective nanozymes with catalase-mimicking characteristics that efficiently degraded tetracycline (TC) in wastewater. Hydroxyl groups adsorbed on defect sites facilitated the in-situ formation of vacancies during catalysis, thereby replenishing active sites. Additionally, electron transfer considerably enhanced the catalytic reaction. Consequently, numerous reactive oxygen species (ROS) were generated through these processes and subsequent radical reactions. The defective nanozymes, with their unique catalytic behavior, proved effective for the catalytic degradation of TC. Experimental results demonstrate that • OH, • O 2 − , 1 O 2 and e − were the primary contributors to the degradation process. In real wastewater samples, the normalized degradation rate constant for defective nanozymes reached 26.0 min −1 g −1 L, exceeding those of other catalysts. This study reveals the new catalytic behavior of defective nanozymes and provides an effective advanced oxidation process for the degradation of organic pollutants.