Effective degradation of doxycycline by photocatalytic BiVO₄–H₂O₂ under visible light

Abstract

Abstract Doxycycline (DOX) is a type of antibiotic that exists in the environment and is desired to be effectively removed. Herein, DOX was degraded by photocatalytic BiVO 4 –H 2 O 2 and photocatalytic BiVO 4 systems in this paper. Under the same degradation conditions, the effects of the two systems on DOX degradation were compared. The effect of the solution pH on degradation of DOX was examined in the range of 3.5–11.5. The optimum pH values were 7.5 and 11.5 for light‐BiVO 4 –H 2 O 2 and light‐BiVO 4 systems, respectively, and their removal rates were 96.27 and 98.84%, respectively. The optimum temperature of degradation was both 40°C by two methods, and the removal rates were 97.03 and 53.43%, respectively. The optimum dosage of BiVO 4 was both 70 mg by two methods, and the removal rates were 95.92 and 52.52%, respectively. The degradation effect by light‐BiVO 4 –H 2 O 2 method was better than that by light‐BiVO 4 method. The possible photocatalytic reaction mechanism was also discussed briefly based on ESR spectrum. DMPO trapping experiment was applied to reveal the production of hydroxyl radicals. These works provide promising constructs at dealing with the DOX water by photocatalytic degradation.