Removal of oxytetracycline from water by S-doped MIL-53(Fe): Synergistic effect of surface adsorption and persulfate activation

In this study, a novel catalyst based on MIL-53(Fe) was synthesized and modified through sublimed sulfur (S-MIL-53(Fe)) to induce a synergistic effect of surface adsorption and persulfate activation. The S-doped modification not only increased the surface area but also accelerated the electron transfer process of the iron cycle. The performance of the newly synthesized S-MIL-53(Fe) adsorptive catalyst was evaluated by chemical adsorption and peroxydisulfate (PDS) activated removal of an emerging pollutants, oxytetracycline (OTC). The S-MIL-53(Fe) adsorptive catalyst was able to adsorb 61.7% of OTC after 120 min, and the removal efficiency reached 84.8% within 5 min after PDS dosing. The boosting effect of sulfur on the system was confirmed by characterization analysis and experimental testing. Even after 7 cycles, the removal efficiency of S-MIL-53(Fe) (69.0%) for OTC remained superior to that of pure MIL-53(Fe) (25.1%). Additionally, the adsorption kinetics and adsorption isotherm model of the material were investigated. The possible OTC degrading process was proposed based on radical quenching and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). This study provides a feasible way to fabricate an S-doped MIL-53(Fe) adsorptive catalyst for the remediation of antibiotics-containing wastewater. •S-MIL-53(Fe) can efficiently adsorb and decompose OTC.•The S-MIL-53(Fe)/PDS system performs steadfastly in OTC solutions with initial pH values from 5 to 11.•Low temperature calcination with sublimated sulfur leads to an increase in BET specific surface area (from 7.2 to 24.5 m2/g).•Role of S in promoting PDS activation is explored.