Visible-light-driven removal of 4-tert-butylphenol by coupled photoredox and enzyme catalysis

The combination of photocatalysis and enzyme catalysis makes many previously difficult or slow chemical reactions easy to realize. A novel [email protected] −C 3 N 4 biohybrid catalyst was successfully synthesized using a simple in situ synthesis method to remove 4- tert -butylphenol (4- t -BP). A series of characterization methods were used to investigate the structure, morphology, chemistry, and optical properties of biohybrid catalysts. [email protected] −C 3 N 4 has improved photogenerated electron-hole pair separation efficiency and charge carrier mobility , as well as photocatalytic activity, with a removal rate of 4- t -BP nearly 100% within 180 min. The catalyst recycling test revealed that the composite could maintain its high removal efficiency after 10 recyclings. Meanwhile, the photocatalytic mechanism investigation reveals that ∙O 2 − play critical roles in the removal of 4- t- BP by g−C 3 N 4 . A detailed examination of the mechanism and pathway of 4- t -BP removal by photoenzyme oxidation was also carried out. This biohybrid catalyst opened up a new avenue for the advancement of environmental protection technology .