Near-infrared-activated NaYF4:Yb3+,Tm3+@g-C3N4@WO3@MXene photocatalytic system for enhanced removal of tetracycline antibiotics

To utilize near-infrared (NIR) light within the solar energy spectrum, we have engineered an advanced composite of NaYF4:Yb3+,Tm3+@g-C3N4@WO3@MXene (denoted as NYT@g-C3N4@WO3@MXene) capable of absorbing NIR light to facilitate photocatalytic reactions. This environmentally benign system integrates semiconductor heterostructures (g-C3N4 and WO3) with upconversion nanoparticles (NaYF4:Yb3+,Tm3+, abbreviated as NYT) and Ti3C2 MXene nanosheets. Experimental validation demonstrated exceptional performance in antibiotic remediation, with the composite achieving 86.3% tetracycline decomposition over 12 hours under NIR irradiation through synergistic mechanisms, while also exhibiting good cycling stability. The enhanced photocatalytic activity arises from collaborative effects between upconversion luminescence, optimized charge transfer pathways within the heterojunction architecture, and the visible light absorption characteristics of MXene.