One-step synthesis of pure-phase amino-functionalized zirconium-based capsule ZrC-1-NH2 for photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline

Although the fundamental configuration (tetrahedron-type and capsule-type) of Zr-MOCs is well understood, the synthesis of amino-functionalized Zr-based capsule (denoted as ZrC-1-NH2) based on 2-aminoterephthalic acid remains a considerable challenge. Fortunately, we obtained single crystals under solvothermal conditions and further achieved the rapid synthesis of ZrC-1-NH2 with pure phase and high yield using a microwave-assisted solvothermal method. In addition, ZrC-1-NH2 was utilized as a photocatalyst to perform the degradation of tetracycline (TC) in water. The degradation efficiency of 92.3% was achieved at the optimal conditions, and the main active free radical was determined as ·O2− according to the trapping agent experiment and EPR results. Furthermore, the possible degradation pathway of TC was proposed.