Ultra-thin carbon nitride activated periodate for efficient tetracycline degradation with the assistance of visible light

This study developed a novel activated periodate (PI, IO4−) system mediated by ultra-thin carbon nitride (UCN) and visible light (Vis), and investigated its efficiency and kinetics of tetracycline hydrochloride (TC) degradation in water. UCN/PI/Vis system could remove 96 % TC within 16 min through the mixed radical/non-radical pathway dominated by IO3•, 2.3 times higher than that of polymerized carbon nitride (PCN)/PI/Vis system. This gap was attributed to UCN having a greater specific surface area, more active sites, and a shorter charge transfer path. The UCN/PI/Vis system has outstanding recyclability, attractive pH adaptability, and remarkable tolerance to co-existing substances and natural water bodies. The fascinating degradation efficiency was ascribed to the synergistic effect among UCN that produced photoelectrons, TC as an electron donor, and PI as an electron acceptor. The quantum confinement effect of the ultra-thin structure improved the band gap and enhanced the redox capacity of photogenerated carriers, which greatly improved the photocatalytic activation of PI by UCN.