Electrochemical features of tetracycline oxidation on mechanoactivated g-C₃N₄/PrFeO₃ nanocomposites

In this work, efficient and environmentally friendly electrocatalysts based on 2D nanocrystals of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) decorated with praseodymium orthoferrite (PrFeO₃) nanoparticles were designed and synthesized for the efficient electrocatalytic treatment of pharmaceutical wastewater. Nanocrystalline g-C₃N₄ was obtained through the thermal polymerization of urea in air. Self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) was employed for producing PrFeO₃. Subsequently, the nanopowders underwent ethanol-assisted mechanochemical treatment using a planetary ball mill. As a result, a series of samples was obtained with the PrFeO₃ content ranging from 0 to 100 wt%. The resulting nanocomposites were dispersed in a solution of isopropyl alcohol with the addition of 0.5% Nafion; thereafter, the suspensions were applied to an ITO glass substrate to form electroactive thin films. The series underwent analysis using an X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, surface area and porosity analysis, cyclic voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The influence of the g-C₃N₄ to PrFeO₃ ratio on the electrochemical activity during the decomposition of tetracycline hydrochloride was analyzed. Consequently, an optimal ratio was determined, leading to the rapid and complete decomposition of the antibiotic in a neutral aqueous environment. In conclusion, it should be noted that the process of electrocatalytic decomposition of tetracycline hydrochloride has been comprehensively studied.