Bamboo Architecture of Vertical-Channel Aerogel for Enhanced Photocatalytic and Photothermal Degradation of Tetracycline

Research on solar-driven photothermal degradation for wastewater purification has gained considerable attention due to its utilization of green energy and environmental sustainability. Rapid industrialization has exacerbated water pollution, particularly from tetracycline, posing significant threats to human health and ecosystem stability. Inspired by bamboo architecture, a vertically aligned, bamboo-like structural aerogel enhanced with electron transport capacity has been successfully developed for the photothermal degradation of tetracycline. This bamboo-like aerogel facilitates charge separation and transport through the link of titanium dioxide and graphene. Upon exposure to solar irradiation, hole–electron pairs are generated along the bamboo-like channels, reaching adsorption equilibrium and achieving an impressive tetracycline degradation rate of 99.97%. The aerogel maintains a photothermal degradation efficiency exceeding 85% after seven operational cycles, demonstrating excellent recycling stability and potential for practical applications. Furthermore, the aerogel demonstrates exceptional photocatalytic and photothermal degradation capabilities under alkaline conditions. This research suggests that the bamboo-like structural aerogel offers an efficient solution for photothermal degradation, providing an innovative approach to managing water pollution and addressing freshwater scarcity.