ZnO@ZIF-8: The construction of core-shell structures to a new reaction pathway for efficient TC degradation

Present situation of tetracycline antibiotic pollution in water bodies is serious. In this study, ZnO@ZIF-8 with core-shell and non-central symmetric piezoelectric material structure was synthesized by mechanochemical method, which exhibits excellent degradation properties: degradation rate of a 50 mg/L tetracycline solution after 40 min of vibration can exceed 90%. Experimental analysis has confirmed that the composite material has better piezoelectric performance. Additionally, the adsorption of pollutants by ZIF-8 can effectively shorten the reaction path, which breaks through the limitations of general solution reactions, thereby improving the catalytic reaction efficiency. Radical quenching and electron paramagnetic resonance results have demonstrated that ∙OH and ∙O2– are the main active radicals of the catalytic reactions in the solution. Finally, the study identified the products after tetracycline degradation. This work provides a fresh approach to the application of piezoelectric materials in sewage treatment.