Enhanced Photodegradation of Sulfamethoxazole Through Cutting-Edge Titania-Zirconia-Based Materials
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: ZrO2, TiO2, ZrO2-TiO2, and TiO2-ZrO2 were successfully prepared using the sol–gel method and fully characterized to check their physico-chemical features. X-ray diffraction showed the co-existence of monoclinic and tetragonal ZrO2 in addition to the Anatase phase for TiO2. The formation of mixed oxides led to a reduction in the band gap values and a modification of the textural characteristics, while the XPS evidenced an oxygen vacancy-rich surface. The ability of the synthesized materials to eliminate drug contaminants was checked using Sulfamethoxazole (SMX) as a model molecule under UV and BLUE-LED irradiation. The materials’ potential to decrease wastewater toxicity was also studied. The best photocatalyst was TiO2-ZrO2 with 76 and 100% conversion under visible and UV irradiation, respectively.
Source: Catalysts
Institutions: University of Abou Bekr Belkaïd, Universidad de Granada
Language: English
Field: Energy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,069
OpenAlex ID: W4404072772