Azobenzene-modified Ag/Ag2O/CN photocatalysts with photoresponsive performance for controllable photodegradation of tetracyclines

In the process of treating tetracyclines in wastewater, the influence of the surrounding environment on the efficiency of tetracycline removal plays a vital role. We have successfully prepared Azo@Ag/Ag2O/CN photocatalytic materials that are intelligently responsive to light of different wavelengths via direct precipitation and emulsion polymerization. Tetracyclines are used to simulate pollutants, proving that Azo@Ag/Ag2O/CN achieves intelligent responsiveness under different wavelengths of light. Azo@Ag/Ag2O/CN exhibits conversion from a trans structure to a cis structure when irradiated by UV light, while Vis light irradiation shows the opposite reaction. The photocatalytic degradation rate of the Azo@Ag/Ag2O-10/CN photocatalyst reached 87.7% under Vis light irradiation. Azo@Ag/Ag2O/CN will be converted from a cis structure to a trans structure, and the Ag/Ag2O-10/CN photocatalyst can be released and the contact angle does not change around 130°, showing a state of relaxation. This experiment realized the controllability of the photocatalyst to light.