A new application for simultaneous phosphorus compounds removal and antibiotics degradation over magnesium-based layered double hydroxides

Magnesium-based layered double hydroxides (MgM-LDHs, M = Al, Ga, In) were synthesized by one-step coprecipitation method, which is a simple and mass-production method. The catalytic performance of MgAl-LDHs, MgGa-LDHs and MgIn-LDHs in the photocatalytic degradation of antibiotics (ciprofloxacin and tetracycline hydrochloride) was systematically investigated. The results showed that the photocatalytic activities of MgAl-LDHs, MgGa-LDHs and MgIn-LDHs were comparable, but MgAl-LDHs exhibited superior degradation efficiency of antibiotics. Through control experiments, the possible mechanism of photocatalytic degradation of antibiotics by MgAl-LDHs was elucidated. Furthermore, it was observed that the adsorption of phosphorus compounds by MgAl-LDHs significantly enhances its photocatalytic activity in degrading ciprofloxacin. This finding suggests that incorporating phosphorus compounds into MgAl-LDHs can improve their efficacy in water pollution control. Overall, our work extends the application scope of MgM-LDHs (M = Al, Ga, In) and underscore the significance of active participation in water pollution control research to mitigate adverse effects on human health.