Biochar-based CuFe2O4 composite material to activate peroxyacetic acid for degradation of tetracycline

Using banana peel as raw material, the composite material CuFe2O4@BC was synthesised and used it to activate peracetic acid (PAA) to remove tetracycline (TC) in water. The crystal phase, morphology, and chemical bonding of the composite were analysed by XRD, SEM, FTIR, XPS, and other characterisation techniques. In the degradation experiments, CuFe2O4@BC showed high catalytic activity and found that the best dosage ratio of CuFe2O4@BC and PAA is 300 mg/L: 3 mmol/L, and under this condition, the removal rate of TC in 60 min reached 85%. CuFe2O4@BC showed degradation effect in a wide pH range, and the catalytic activity was found to be the best under acidic conditions. At the same time, after five cycles of test, the composite still maintained more than 80% of TC removal rate. The free radical quenching experiments proved that the main active species in the reaction were •OH, CH3COO• and CH3COOO•. © 2023 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.