Structural Effects of Metal Single-Atom Catalysts for Enhanced Photocatalytic Degradation of Gemfibrozil

The development of efficient catalysts is a highly necessary but challenging task within the field of environmental water remediation. Single-atom catalysts are promising nanomaterials within this respect, but in-depth studies encompassing this class of catalysts remain elusive. In this work, we systematically study the degradation of gemfibrozil, a persistent pollutant, on a series of carbon nitride photocatalysts, investigating both the effect of (i) catalyst textural properties and (ii) metal single atoms on the contaminant degradation. Tests in the absence of the catalyst result in negligible degradation rates, confirming the stability of the contaminant when dispersed in water. Then, photocatalytic tests at optimal pH, solvent, and wavelength reveal a correlation between the support surface area and the degradation. This points to the role of carbon nitride surface nanostructure on gemfibrozil degradation. In particular, the use of silver on mesoporous carbon nitride single-atom catalyst (Ag@mpgC₃N₄) leads to an unprecedented degradation of gemfibrozil (>90% within 60 min). The possible degradation intermediates and products were identified by mass spectrometry and were inert by cytotoxicity evaluation. We anticipate that, with further refinement and customization, the carbon nitride catalysts reported herein may find broad applications for light-driven degradation of other contaminants of emerging concern.