Enhanced degradation of ciprofloxacin via Co-doped Bi2Fe4O9 photocatalysis under peroxydisulfate activation

The synergistic degradation of contaminants in water by photocatalysis and peroxydisulfate (PDS) activation has been proven to be a promising combined advanced oxidation technology. Consequently, the development of highly efficient photocatalysts that are activated by visible light and PDS is of immense importance. Herein, different proportions of cobalt-doped Bi 2 Fe 4 O 9 (BFO@Co-x) photocatalysts were effectively synthesized for elimination of ciprofloxacin (CIP). The degradation efficiency of CIP achieved by the BFO@Co/Vis/PDS system attained 84.49% (k = 0.0516 min −1 ) under 40 min light irradiation, outperforming the BFO@Co/Vis and PDS/Vis systems by a factor of 1.45 and 3.6, respectively. Characterization and photoelectric performance assessments revealed that the fabrication of BFO@Co-0.5 was successful, enhancing the photocatalytic degradation efficiency under the synergistic effect of PDS. Moreover, the BFO@Co/Vis/PDS system demonstrated favorable adaptability to various pH, inorganic anions, and humic acid in solution. Additionally, the degradation pathways of CIP and the toxicity of products were evaluated using LC/MS and T.E.S.T software, indicating a reduction in the toxicity of CIP degradation products. This study may provide insights into the application of photocatalyst/Vis/PDS combined systems in the field of water environmental treatment. In this study, BFO@Co-0.5photocatalyst with good magnetic and photoelectric properties was prepared for the synergistic degradation of CIP in visible light and PDS. The electron transfer paths and photocatalytic degradation mechanism are shown in the TOC figure. • Co-doped Bi 2 Fe 4 O 9 was prepared to degrade CIP under visible light and PDS activation. • The photogenerated electrons and redox-active sites effectively activated PDS. • The BFO@Co-0.5 exhibited enhanced magnetic recyclability and reusability. • The degradation pathways and the toxicity of intermediates of CIP were elucidated.