Microporous ammonium phosphomolybdate as a catalyst for oxidative degradation of tetracycline under ambient condition: Reaction mechanisms and pathways

Abstract

Microporous ammonium phosphomolybdate (APM) as a catalyst is used to degrade tetracycline (TC) antibiotics under ambient conditions. APM is prepared and characterized. The microporosity and high surface area of the APM and Mo+6 present in it made it a useful catalyst for TC destruction in aerobic conditions. The Mo+6 present in APM is transformed to Mo+5 and the formed Mo+5 again is oxidized during the process. Singlet oxygen and hydroxyl radicals as reactive oxygen species are responsible for TC degradation. APM shows excellent stability and reusability. This is the first time, APM is exploited as a catalyst to degrade TC.