Recyclable selenoviologen-based D-A porous ionic polymer: from dual-channels photocatalytic degradation to plant growth

Antibiotic contamination in water systems poses significant environmental concerns, finding efficient photocatalysts that utilize visible light is still a challenge in the field of antibiotic degradation. The selenoviologen-based D-A porous ionic polymer (SeV-PIP) was synthesized by selenoviologen (SeV²⁺) acceptor units with triazine donor units using the Sonogashira reaction. The SeV-PIP exhibits remarkable visible light absorption, effective charge separation and excellent radical cation stability, enabling both photogenerated electrons and holes to participate in dual-channel degradation and demonstrating great recyclability. The efficient degradation of tetracycline antibiotics under visible-light conditions achieves a degradation rate of up to 96% and a recovery rate of 97%, even in the presence of common wastewater contaminants, leading to the eventual mineralization of the contaminant molecules. A flowing sun-light-degradation tandem plant-growth device was designed and assembled, which verified that the degraded wastewater has plant-growth promoting abilities through bean seedling growth experiments and realized further application. This research contributes to sustainable wastewater treatment strategies, emphasizing the importance of advanced photocatalysis for environmental remediation.