Construction of porous CoFe2O4/Ni@C composite from MOF precursor for efficient degradation of tetracycline.

The degradation of tetracycline is a significant challenge due to its molecular stability and potential for inducing biological resistance. Common degradation approaches face constraints, including high energy consumption, slow degradation rates, and secondary pollution concerns. Herein, we report the development of a facile pyrolysis method to synthesize a CoFe2O4/Ni@C ternary catalyst, derived from mixed-metal MOF-74-FeCoNi, for tetracycline degradation. The abundant open metal sites within the carbon matrix, combined with the large specific surface area and high metal ion activity, effectively enhance the degradation of tetracycline (>99%) within 20 minutes through peroxymonosulfate activation. Remarkably, efficient degradation is achieved at low catalyst loadings (30 mg L-1) and across a broad pH range. Mechanistic studies confirm that multiple reactive species (˙OH and 1O2) are generated and act synergistically to drive tetracycline degradation through an advanced oxidation process.