Z-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst of LaFeO3@CoS for tetracycline hydrochloride degradation by persulfate activation using visible light

An efficient and stable LaFeO 3 @CoS Z-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst was prepared through the hydrothermal method (HT). Photocatalytic activity of the LaFeO 3 @CoS was assessed by activating persulfate under visible light for the degradation of tetracycline (0.1 g/L). Under the condition of 0.06 g/L of KHSO 5 (Peroxymonosulfate, PMS), the degradation efficiency of 88.7 % was achieved in 40 min using the 0.02 g/L of developed photocatalyst. The degradation kinetic constants of LaFeO 3 @CoS were 2.79 and 2.23 times higher than those of LaFeO 3 and CoS, respectively. Furthermore, the catalyst exhibited excellent stability over five consecutive degradation cycles. Possible degradation mechanisms and the electron transfer mechanism of the heterojunction formed by the LaFeO 3 @CoS were investigated by quenching experiments, nitrogen N₂ purging experiments, electron spin resonance (ESR) measurements and corresponding electrochemical analyses. In the LaFeO 3 @CoS/Vis/PMS system, the Z-scheme charge transfer pathway not only accelerated charge transport efficiency but also effectively spatially separated electrons and holes, enhancing the photocatalytic performance of the photocatalyst. Additionally, the generation of reactive species such as 1 O 2 , O 2 • − , and SO 4 •   −  significantly contributed to the improved degradation efficiency of the present catalyst during the degradation process.