Photocatalytic degradation of azithromycin and ceftriaxone using synthesized Ag/g-C3N4/Fe3O4 nanocomposites in aqueous solution
Abstract This study focuses on the synthesis of an Ag/g-C3N4/Fe3O4 nanocomposite and its application for the photocatalytic degradation of azithromycin and ceftriaxone in aqueous solutions. The g-C3N4 was prepared via a two-step calcination method, while the Ag/g-C3N4/Fe3O4 nanocomposite was synthes...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Nature Portfolio
2025-05-01
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| Series: | Scientific Reports |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-00149-5 |
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| Summary: | Abstract This study focuses on the synthesis of an Ag/g-C3N4/Fe3O4 nanocomposite and its application for the photocatalytic degradation of azithromycin and ceftriaxone in aqueous solutions. The g-C3N4 was prepared via a two-step calcination method, while the Ag/g-C3N4/Fe3O4 nanocomposite was synthesized using a one-step hydrothermal approach. The physicochemical properties of the nanocomposite were thoroughly characterized using XRD, FTIR, FE-SEM, TEM, and VSM. Process optimization based on the Box-Behnken Design (BBD) identified optimal conditions at pH 5.2, a catalyst dose of 0.42 g/L, reaction time of 107 min, and an initial antibiotic concentration of 10 mg/L. Under these conditions, the nanocomposite achieved degradation efficiencies of 83.3 ± 2.1% for azithromycin and 93.3 ± 1.8% for ceftriaxone. COD and TOC reductions were measured at 65.5% and 52%, respectively, although intermediate products decelerated mineralization. Catalyst reusability was demonstrated with a performance decline of less than 13% after six cycles. Additionally, light intensity and the presence of scavengers and inorganic ions were evaluated, revealing that hydroxyl radicals (OH•) play a dominant role in the degradation process. The nanocomposite also exhibited enhanced visible light absorption due to its tailored bandgap and electron-hole separation efficiency. The findings confirm that the Ag/g-C3N4/Fe3O4 nanocomposite is a robust and efficient photocatalyst for antibiotic degradation, offering a sustainable and effective solution for wastewater treatment applications. |
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| ISSN: | 2045-2322 |