A sono-assisted persulfate activation system was developed using a silver-imidazole/graphitic carbon nitride (Ag-Imd/g-C 3 N 4 ) composite for efficient degradation of tylosin (TYL) antibiotic in aqueous solution. The Ag-Imd complex was synthesized through a coordination reaction between silver nitrate and 2-methylimidazole, followed by integration with g-C 3 N 4 to form heterostructured composites. Characterization analyses confirmed the successful coupling between Ag-Imd and g-C 3 N 4 , resulting in increased surface area, enhanced interfacial charge transfer, and a narrowed band gap (1.95 eV) favorable for sono-excitation. The sono-assisted Ag-Imd/g-C 3 N 4 (0.03)/peroxydisulfate process achieved superior TYL removal compared to single or binary processes due to the synergistic effects of ultrasonic cavitation, catalytic activation, and sulfate radical generation. The influence of operational parameters including pH, catalyst loading, peroxydisulfate dosage, and initial TYL concentration was systematically examined. Optimum degradation (≈ 93.4%) was obtained at pH 8.5, catalyst dosage of 0.6 g L −1 , initial TYL concentration of 15 mg L −1 , and PDS concentration of 6 mmol L −1 . Mechanistic investigations supported that both g-C 3 N 4 and Ag-Imd act as n-type semiconductors forming an S-scheme heterojunction, facilitating charge separation and effective formation of SO 4 • − and •OH radicals under ultrasonic irradiation. This study highlights the potential of coordination-modified carbon nitride composites for energy-efficient degradation of antibiotic contaminants in water. • Sono-activated Ag-Imd/g-C 3 N 4 enables rapid persulfate-driven TYL degradation. • S-scheme Ag-Imd/g-C 3 N 4 heterojunction boosts charge separation efficiency. • Optimized system achieves 93.4% TYL removal at pH 8.5. • Cavitation synergy accelerates SO 4 • − and •OH radical formation. • Ag 0 /Ag + cycling strengthens persulfate activation under ultrasound.
Shuheil et al. (Tue,) studied this question.