Microwave-assisted PMS activation Ti3C2/LaFe0.5Cu0.5O3-P catalysts for efficient degradation of CIP: Enhancement of catalytic performance by phosphoric acid etching

The LaFe 0.5 Cu 0.5 O 3 perovskite synthesised by MOFs template method was compounded with Mxene Ti 3 C 2 , and the novel catalyst M-Ti 3 C 2 /LFCO-P was subsequently prepared by phosphoric acid etching. This catalyst effectively induced microwave activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS), and ciprofloxacin (CIP) was efficiently degraded with a degradation rate reaching 95.48 % within 14 min. Characterization results revealed that the MOFs template method and phosphoric acid etching increased specific surface area (from 25.91 m 2 /g to 142.41 m 2 /g) of catalyst and improved its pore size distribution. Phosphoric acid etching successfully introduced phosphorus functional groups and promoted the formation of more oxygen vacancies, thereby significantly enhancing the catalytic activity of the catalyst. The conversion of free radicals and the transformation of free radicals to non-free radicals were demonstrated. Additionally, the catalyst exhibited higher electron transfer efficiency. The catalytic reaction was primarily driven by O 2 – and 1 O 2 , with OH, SO 4 − , and e - playing auxiliary roles. Furthermore, the degradation pathway and toxicity of CIP were also evaluated. This work provides a new perspective for improving the catalytic degradation activity of antibiotics by perovskite catalysts.