Issue 5, 2023

Fabrication of a Sm2O3/In2S3 photocatalyst for boosting ciprofloxacin oxidation and the Cr(vi) reduction: process parameters and degradation mechanism

Abstract

A series of Sm2O3/xIn2S3 heterostructures (where x = 5, 10, 15, and 20 wt%) were synthesized and successfully employed as photocatalysts in the degradation of ciprofloxacin (CIP) and in the photocatalytic reduction of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)). This is the first report that investigates the impact of various operating conditions, including catalyst loading, substrate dosage, and co-existing anions (Cl, SO42−, PO43−, HPO42−, CO32−, and HCO3) on the photocatalytic degradation of CIP as well as Cr(VI) reduction using Sm2O3/15 wt% In2S3 photocatalysts. Interestingly, the Sm2O3/15 wt% In2S3 photocatalyst demonstrated CIP degradation efficiency of 99.4% and 96.1% for Cr(VI) photoreduction with 50 mg L−1 catalyst loading at 55 and 50 min, respectively. Catalyst loading and CIP concentration as well as K2Cr2O7 dosage remarkably govern the photocatalytic performances. Co-existing anions, such as Cl, PO43−, HPO42−, CO32−, and HCO3, notably deteriorate the photocatalytic performances. The scavenger studies emphasized that ˙OH and photogenerated electrons played a key role in the degradation of CIP and reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III), respectively. Liquid chromatography-masss spectroscopy analysis shows that CIP degradation preferentially propagates via the active piperazine ring. Reusability and stability studies exhibited >90% Cr(VI) reduction and CIP degradation after the 5th cycle, affirming the remarkable photostability of the Sm2O3/15 wt% In2S3 nanocomposite with the potential for practical applications.

Graphical abstract: Fabrication of a Sm2O3/In2S3 photocatalyst for boosting ciprofloxacin oxidation and the Cr(vi) reduction: process parameters and degradation mechanism

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
23 noy 2022
Accepted
25 fev 2023
First published
27 fev 2023

Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2023,9, 1385-1402

Fabrication of a Sm2O3/In2S3 photocatalyst for boosting ciprofloxacin oxidation and the Cr(VI) reduction: process parameters and degradation mechanism

M. Murugalakshmi, K. Govindan, M. Umadevi, C. B. Breslin and V. Muthuraj, Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2023, 9, 1385 DOI: 10.1039/D2EW00894G

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