Double-shelled ZnSnO₃ hollow cubes for efficient photocatalytic degradation of antibiotic wastewater

The production and usage of antibiotics have been increasing rapidly with the improving quality of life and the rapid development of aquaculture, thus inducing the introduction of these antibiotics residues into the environment, increasing water pollution levels. Due to bioaccumulation, bacteriostatic activity, many of these threaten aquatic and terrestrial organisms. Here we prepared double-shelled ZnSnO₃ hollow cubes for efficient photocatalytic degradation of antibiotic wastewater. The ZnSnO₃, synthesized via co-precipitation, shows superior performance and stability compared to that prepared by hydrothermal and template-assisted methods. The prepared ZnSnO₃ effectively photocatalyzed the degradation of not only ciprofloxacin and sulfamonomethoxine pharmaceutical wastewater, but also methylene blue, rhodamine B and methyl orange dye wastewater. The hollow structure facilitates the adsorption of dye molecules and provides a better platform for direct interaction between dye molecules and photocatalysts. Moreover, the antibacterial activity test for photocatalytic degradation effluent indicated that the biotoxicity of CIP toward Escherichia coli DH5a was eliminated after the ZnSnO₃ photocatalysis under simulated irradiation. This study not only demonstrates an efficient photocatalyst, but also further indicates the effectiveness of photocatalytic technology in the treatment of antibiotic wastewater.