Fe3O4 quantum dots mediated P-g-C3N4/BiOI as an efficient and recyclable Z-scheme photo-Fenton catalyst for tetracycline degradation and bacterial inactivation

Photo-Fenton technology integrated by photocatalysis and Fenton reaction is a favorable strategy for water remediation. Nevertheless, the development of visible-light-assisted efficient and recyclable photo-Fenton catalysts still faces challenges. This study successfully constructed a novel separable Z-scheme P-g-C3N4/Fe3O4QDs/BiOI (PCN/FOQDs/BOI) heterojunction via in-situ deposition method. The results showed that the photo-Fenton degradation efficiency for tetracycline over optimal ternary catalyst reached 96.5% within 40 min at visible illumination, which was 7.1 and 9.6 times higher than its single photocatalysis and Fenton system, respectively. Moreover, PCN/FOQDs/BOI possessed excellent photo-Fenton antibacterial activity, which could completely inactivate 108 CFU·mL−1 of E. coli and S. aureus within 20 and 40 min, respectively. Theoretical calculation and in-situ characterization revealed that the enhanced catalysis behavior resulted from the FOQDs mediated Z-scheme electronic system, which not only facilitated photocreated carrier separation of PCN and BOI while maintaining maximum redox capacity, but also accelerated H2O2 activation and Fe3+/Fe2+ cycle, thus synergistically forming more active species in system. Additionally, PCN/FOQDs/BOI/Vis/H2O2 system displayed extensive adaptability at pH range of 3–11, removal universality for various organic pollutants and attractive magnetic separation property. This work would provide an inspiration for design of efficient and multifunctional Z-scheme photo-Fenton catalyst in water purification. [Display omitted] •Fe3O4 quantum dots mediated P-g-C3N4/BiOI Z-scheme heterojunction was first constructed.•Catalyst showed enhanced photo-Fenton degradation and inactivation activity under visible light.•Theoretical calculation and in-situ characterization confirmed Z-scheme charge transfer path.•Synergistic effect between photocatalysis and Fenton reaction resulted in multiple active species.•Catalyst possessed extensive pH adaptability and favorable magnetic separation capacity.