Removal of ochratoxin a from wine by adsorption-photocatalytic synergy of tubular TiO2/SiO2/g-C3N4: Mechanistic insights and degradation pathways

Consumption of contaminated wines is a significant source of ochratoxin A (OTA) intake in humans, yet existing techniques for OTA removal are inadequate. This study constructs a TiO 2 /SiO 2 /g-C 3 N 4 catalyst (TiSiMs-TCN) with a tubular structure, capable of efficiently removing OTA from both simulated and real wines under visible light irradiation. The results of experiments, characterizations, and theoretical calculations demonstrate that the incorporation of silica enhances the adsorption capacity for OTA, and the tubular structure improves the catalyst's photoelectric properties. The internal electric field between TiSiMs and TCN facilitates electron transfer and the generation of active species, rapidly degrading the adsorbed OTA and promoting the regeneration of active sites, thus maintaining continuous adsorption-photocatalysis synergy. The OTA degradation pathway was analyzed using the Fukui index, electrostatic potential distribution, and intermediate product identification. Toxicological experiments confirm that TiSiMs-TCN is a safe and stable material capable of effectively detoxifying OTA contamination.