Work

Photocatalytic degradation of reactive blue 19 and antibacterial efficacy utilizing a magnetically separable C-doped TiO₂/copper-lead ferrite nanocomposite

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The creation of multifunctional catalysts for the elimination of dye pollutants and antibacterial applications is crucial within the context of global sustainability and clean water programs. A visible-light-active photocatalyst, C-doped TiO₂ (CT), and its magnetically separable nanocomposite with copper‑lead ferrite (CPF/CT) were successfully synthesized using enhanced sol-gel and co-precipitation methods. The materials were examined using various procedures. Carbon doping and composite formation with CPF significantly enhanced visible-light absorption, reducing the bandgap energy to 2.8 eV for CT and 1.24 eV for CPF/CT nanocomposite. The CPF/CT nanocomposite demonstrated remarkable photocatalytic effectiveness, achieving complete degradation of Reactive Blue 19 (RB19) under visible light, surpassing CT nanocomposite. The levels of contaminants, duration of irradiation, and quantity of catalyst all influenced performance. A notable advantage for large-scale applications is the exceptional reusability of both CT and CPF/CT nanocomposites, which maintained high efficiencies of around 87% and 97%, respectively, across five consecutive cycles. Scavenger experiments indicated that hydroxyl radicals (OH • ) and electrons (e − ) are the primary active species in the breakdown process. Moreover, both CT and CPF/CT nanocomposites shown significant antibacterial efficacy against several evaluated gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms. This study demonstrates that both CT and CPF/CT nanocomposites are extremely effective and recyclable photocatalysts for wastewater treatment and exhibit considerable potential for antibacterial applications.

Source: Journal of Water Process Engineering

DOI: 10.1016/j.jwpe.2026.109535

Authors: Doaa F. Baamer, Elsayed T. Helmy, H.G. Mohamed Bakr, Amr.M. Elbasiony, Mohamed Mokhtar M. Mostafa

Institutions: King Abdulaziz University, Ministry of Natural Resources, National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Second Institute of Oceanography, Northern Border University

Language: English

Topic: TiO2 Photocatalysis and Solar Cells

Subfield: Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

Field: Energy

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Clean water and sanitation, Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,350