Facile synthesis of Si3N4 nanowires with enhanced photocatalytic application.

Silicon nitride (Si 3 N 4 ) ceramic is mainly used as the catalyst support for photocatalytic application. In this paper, Si 3 N 4 nanowires (SNWs) were successfully prepared by directly nitriding Si powders and firstly applied as an efficient photocatalyst for the degradation of antibiotic residues. Comparing with commercial Si 3 N 4 powder (SNPs), the prepared SNWs demonstrate enhanced photocatalytic activity for tetracycline hydrochloride (TC-HCl) photodegradation under UV–vis light with good stability. The improved photocatalytic performance should come from its unique morphology and small size. The synthesis and application of Si 3 N 4 nanowires in removing antibiotic residue may contribute to development of newly efficient photocatalyst for environmental issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]