Magnetically separable Ag/AgCl-zero valent iron particles modified zeolite X heterogeneous photocatalysts for tetracycline degradation under visible light

•The heterogeneous photocatalysts were prepared for tetracycline degradation.•The photocatalytic efficiencies were increased as the Fe0 impregnation increased.•The photocatalysts retained high photocatalytic activity after consecutive runs.•The new insight was provided into the preparation of heterogeneous photocatalysts.

The magnetically separable Ag/AgCl – zero valent iron particles (ZVIP) impregnated zeolite X (Ag/AgCl/(x)Fe-ZX) photocatalysts were prepared for tetracycline (TC) degradation. The characterization results showed the Ag/AgCl/(x)Fe-ZX particles were spherical and crystalline Ag/AgCl was deposited on the surface of the (x)Fe-ZX. The spent Ag/AgCl/(x)Fe-ZX could be effectively separated from water due to the good magnetic property. When the content of the ZVIP increased, the photocatalytic efficiencies of Ag/AgCl/(x)Fe-ZX were increased. The photocatalytic efficiency of TC degradation was maximum as the weight ratio of ZVIP was 5%. The photocatalysts retained high photocatalytic activity after consecutive runs. The concentration of iron ions leaching was very low. The enhanced photocatalytic activities and stabilities of photocatalysts were ascribed to the enhanced adsorption capacity of (x)Fe-ZX, the strong absorbance in the visible-light region and improved space separation of photo-induced charge carriers. The study provides new insight into the preparation of stable and easily separated zeolite based heterogeneous photocatalysts.