A Rapid and Complete Photodegradation of Doxycycline Using rGO@CuO Nanocomposite Under Visible and Direct Sunlight: Mechanistic Insights and Real-Time Applicability
In this study, a simple and efficient hydrothermal strategy was developed to modify reduced graphene oxide (rGO) with copper (II) oxide (CuO) nanoparticles by varying the weight ratio of rGO relative to CuO (rGO@CuO<sub>1:1</sub>, rGO@CuO<sub>1:2</sub>, and rGO@CuO<sub>...
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| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-06-01
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| Series: | Nanomaterials |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/15/13/953 |
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| Summary: | In this study, a simple and efficient hydrothermal strategy was developed to modify reduced graphene oxide (rGO) with copper (II) oxide (CuO) nanoparticles by varying the weight ratio of rGO relative to CuO (rGO@CuO<sub>1:1</sub>, rGO@CuO<sub>1:2</sub>, and rGO@CuO<sub>2:1</sub>). The obtained materials were further characterized using analytical tools. Photocatalytic performance was assessed using adsorption–photocatalysis experiments under a household LED light source (10 W, λ > 400 nm), and the degree of degradation of doxycycline (DOX) was evaluated using UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The highest efficiency of 100% was achieved with a DOX concentration of 70 ppm, rGO@CuO<sub>1:1</sub> dosage of 1 mg/mL, and pH 7 within 30 min of irradiation. The degradation kinetics followed the pseudo-first-order model (R<sup>2</sup> ~0.99) and the Langmuir adsorption isotherm, indicating that DOX on the surface is governed by a dynamic equilibrium between adsorption and degradation rates. Furthermore, efficacy was tested using real water samples, and the recyclability of the catalyst was evaluated in up to five cycles. |
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| ISSN: | 2079-4991 |