SSRScientific and Social Research2661-43322981-9946Bio-Byword Scientific Publishing Pty. Ltd.10.26689/ssr.v7i1.9218ArticleEfficient Photocatalytic Degradation of Tetracycline with Hydrothermally Synthesized Pure-Phase BiFeO3https://artdesignp.com/journal/SSR/7/1/10.26689/ssr.v7i1.9218LiuLebing2025712025-01-23Tetracycline pollution poses an increasing global threat to both aquatic and terrestrial biodiversity due to its extensive use in aquaculture, livestock farming, and human disease prevention. In this study, pure-phase BiFeO3 was synthesized using the hydrothermal method. Various characterization techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), were employed to analyze the material’s crystal structure, surface morphology, and electron valence states. A 120-minute photocatalytic degradation experiment on tetracycline (TC) demonstrated that the pure-phase BiFeO3 achieved a degradation efficiency of approximately 27%. The primary degradation mechanism was attributed to the generation of •OH (hydroxyl radicals) during the photocatalytic reaction, with h+ (holes) playing a synergistic role. The energy band structure and photocatalytic mechanism of pure-phase BiFeO3 were further analyzed using Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-VIS-DRS). Cycling tests indicated that pure-phase BiFeO3 maintained chemical stability, highlighting its potential for large-scale applications.

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