Novel magnetic MgFe2O4/CAU-17 composites with improved photocatalytic degradation of the antibiotic tetracycline under natural sunlight

The demand for effective structures that harness natural sunlight for photocatalytic water remediation remains a significant challenge. Here, hybrid MgFe 2 O 4 /CAU-17 (MFOCAU) materials with varied compositions were prepared by incorporating MgFe 2 O 4 into Bi-MOF CAU-17 during the MOF synthesis. Combining CAU-17 frameworks with ferrite nanocrystallites yielded heterostructures featuring a compatible bandgap combination, enhancing light absorption and improving the separation and migration efficiency of charge carriers. Under natural sunlight irradiation, the MFOCAU catalysts achieved a removal efficiency of approximately 91 % for tetracycline (TC), surpassing pure ferrite and CAU-17. Mechanism assessments, including radical scavenger tests and HPLC-LC/MS measurements, revealed the role of reactive species and the photodegradation pathways of TC. Notably, the produced MgFe 2 O 4 /CAU-17 exhibits magnetic properties, allowing for convenient recovery from the suspension using a magnet. The findings suggest that combining ferrite and MOF could be a potential strategy for producing effective materials for photocatalytic water decontamination. • Nanoparticle ferrites MgFe 2 O 4 were effectively incorporated into CAU-17 frameworks during the MOF synthesis. • Hybrid MgFe 2 O 4 /CAU-17 demonstrated improved visible-light absorption and charge carrier separation. • MgFe 2 O 4 /CAU-17 achieved a tetracycline removal efficiency of 91 % under natural light irradiation. • Hybrid MgFe 2 O 4 /CAU-17 was quickly recovered magnetically from aqueous solution.