Enhanced photocatalytic activity of ZnSe QDs/g-C3N4 composite for Ceftriaxone sodium degradation under visible light

Abstract A ZnSe quantum dot (QDs)/g-C3N4 composite with an excellent photocatalytic activity was synthesized to degrade Ceftriaxone sodium in an aquatic environment under visible light irradiation. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of the composite during antibiotic degradation could be attributed to the expanding light-harvesting scope and the efficient separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs. Experiments involving reactive species trapping revealed that the reactive species OH and h+ played major roles in Ceftriaxone sodium degradation. Recycling experiments showed that the ZnSe QDs/g-C3N4 composite was highly stable and reusable. This work provided new insights into the construction of a novel photocatalyst that removes antibiotics in aquatic environments.