Synthesis of g-C₃N₄/WO₃/CuO and Its Application in Removing Tetracycline from Hospital Wastewater

Tetracycline has a robust structure that is difficult to remove from groundwater systems and can cause various side effects on human health. This study aimed to remove tetracycline by incorporating tungsten and copper intermediate metals onto the surface of g-C₃N₄.

The two-dimensional heterogeneous composite was synthesized by degrading melamine through heat and then modified with tungsten and copper. The structure of g-C₃N₄/WO₃/CuO was characterized using various methods, including XRD, mapping, EDS, SEM, and FTIR.

The study also investigated parameters that could potentially affect the removal of tetracycline, such as pH, time, g-C₃N₄/WO₃/CuO, temperature, and tetracycline concentration. SEM images and EDS analysis confirmed the presence of WO3, CuO, and C loaded onto the surface of g-C₃N₄/WO₃/CuO, forming the g-C3N4 structure. Tungsten and copper doping in this form facilitated the removal of tetracycline under optimal conditions (tetracycline concentration = 10.0 mg/L, time = 20 min, g-C₃N₄/WO₃/CuO dosage = 200 mg, pH = 4.0 at 25 °C), achieving a removal rate of up to 98%. The addition of tungsten and copper atoms to the g-C₃N₄ structure enhanced its photocatalytic and electrocatalytic efficiency in removing tetracycline.