OICC Press Iranian Journal of Catalysis 2345-4865 15 3 2025 09 30 Production of Ag3PO4 from natural phosphate for visible-light photocatalytic degradation of oxytetracycline antibiotic 10.57647/j.ijc.2025.1503.27 EN Sara Fatine Laboratory of Applied Chemistry of Materials, Faculty of Science, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Avenue Ibn Batouta BP.1014, Rabat, Morocco Jihane Labrag Laboratory of Applied Chemistry of Materials, Faculty of Science, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Avenue Ibn Batouta BP.1014, Rabat, Morocco Abdeladim Oulguidoum Laboratory of Applied Chemistry of Materials, Faculty of Science, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Avenue Ibn Batouta BP.1014, Rabat, Morocco Abdelaziz Laghzizil Laboratory of Applied Chemistry of Materials, Faculty of Science, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Avenue Ibn Batouta BP.1014, Rabat, Morocco Jean-Michel Nunzi Department of Chemistry, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada Journal Article 2025 09 30 Natural phosphate was valorized as a precursor for the synthesis of the highly efficient photocatalytic material silver phosphate (Ag₃PO₄). A straightforward synthesis method involving the dissolution of the natural phosphate followed by the precipitation of particles was optimized for the silver phosphate preparation. Physicochemical properties of the particles were characterized using various techniques. The photodegradation rate of oxytetracycline (OTC) antibiotic under visible light by the Ag₃PO₄ particles exceeded 86%, depending on the operating conditions. The effect of OTC concentration, pH of the solution, and catalyst calcination was studied to investigate the antibiotic degradation. Hole (h+) reactive species were the main participants in OTC oxidation; meanwhile, •O2− and OH• contributed to the degradation process. Improved performance can be attributed to the porous structure, which provides homogeneous active sites for antibiotic adsorption, followed by complete photodegradation. The nanocomposites were easily recycled at 500°C without loss of catalytic efficiency. Therefore, porous Ag₃PO₄ catalyst is an effective and environmentally friendly means to remove various organic pollutants from water. Resaerch Highlights Modified method for the Fabrication of silver phosphate from natural phosphate was introduced. pH dependence of elaboration of Ag3PO4 The porous Ag3PO4 surface was a good parameter for fixing the organic toxic chemicals. Achieved up 86 % degradation of oxytetracycline. High RBS production facilitates the degradation performance. A possible afterglow photocatalytic mechanism was discussed