In-Depth Insight into the Ag/CNQDs/g-C(3)N(4) Photocatalytic Degradation of Typical Antibiotics: Influence Factor, Mechanism and Toxicity Evaluation of Intermediates

In this paper, the photocatalytic degradation efficiency of typical antibiotics (norfloxacin (NOR), sulfamethoxazole (SMX) and tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH)) by Ag/CNQDs/g-C(3)N(4) under visible light irradiation was studied. Various strategies were applied to characterize the morphology, structure and photochemical properties of the Ag/CNQDs/g-C(3)N(4) composites. The superior photocatalytic activity of Ag/CNQDs/g-C(3)N(4) was attributed to the wide light response range and the enhancement of interfacial charge transfer. At the same time, the effect of the influence factors (pH, Humic acid (HA) and coexisting ions) on the antibiotics degradation were also investigated. Furthermore, the electron spin resonance (ESR) technology, free radical quenching experiments, LC/MS and DFT theoretical calculations were applied to predict and identify the active groups and intermediates during the photocatalytic degradation process. In addition, Ag/CNQDs/g-C(3)N(4) exhibited the obvious antibacterial effect to Escherichia coli due to the addition of Ag NPs. This study develops a new way for the removal of emerging antibiotic pollution from wastewaters.