Activation of PAA\nat the Fe–N<sub><i>x</i></sub> Sites by Boron Nitride\nQuantum Dots Enhanced Charge Transfer\nGenerates High-Valent Metal-Oxo Species for Antibiotics Degradation

Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) based on peracetic\nacid (PAA)\noffer a promising strategy to address antibiotic wastewater pollution.\nIn this study, Fe-doped graphitic carbon nitride (g-C<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub>) nanomaterials were used to construct Fe–N<sub><i>x</i></sub> sites, and the electronic structure was tuned by\nboron nitride quantum dots (BNQDs), thereby optimizing PAA activation\nfor the degradation of antibiotics. The BNQDs-modified Fe-doped g-C<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub> catalyst (BNQDs-FCN) achieved an excellent reaction\nrate constant of 0.0843 min<sup>–1</sup>, marking a 21.6-fold\nimprovement over the carbon nitride (CN)-based PAA system. DFT calculations\nfurther corroborate the superior adsorption capacity of the Fe–N<sub><i>x</i></sub> sites for PAA, facilitating its activation.\nCharge transfer mechanisms, with PAA serving as an electron acceptor,\nwere identified as the source of high-valent iron-oxo species. Moreover,\nthe BNQDs-FCN system preferentially targets oxygen-containing functional\ngroups in antibiotic structures, elucidating the selective attack\npatterns of these highly electrophilic species. This research not\nonly elucidates the pivotal role of high-valent iron-oxo species in\npollutant degradation within the PAA-AOPs framework but also pioneers\na wastewater treatment system characterized by excellent degradation\nefficiency coupled with low ecological risk, thereby laying the groundwork\nfor applications in wastewater management and beyond.