Highly Efficient and Recyclable ZIF-67 Catalyst for the Degradation of Tetracycline

Abstract

In this study, the ZIF-67 catalyst is synthesized by reaction of cobalt nitrate hexahydrate with 2-methylimidazole at room temperature. The ZIF-67 catalyst shows excellent efficiency for the degradation of tetracycline (TC) in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. Moreover, the effects of catalyst dose, hydrogen peroxide concentration and tetracycline concentration for the degradation of tetracycline have also been studied. The free-radical quenching experiments indicate that the hydroxyl radical (⋅OH) is the predominant active species in the degradation. In addition, the catalyst has been successfully reused four times without obvious decrease in the degradation efficiency of TC, revealing the great reusability and stability of ZIF-67.

Graphic Abstract

1. The ZIF-67 catalyst exhibites excellent efficiency for the degradation of tetracycline. 2. The ZIF-67 catalyst is synthesized from cobalt nitrate hexahydrate and 2-methylimidazole. 3. The free radical quenching experiments indicates that the hydroxyl radical (⋅OH) is the predominant active species in the degradation.