Synthesis of a Ternary Doped Catalyst and Green Polymer Photocatalytic Films for Treatment of Ampicillin and Other Emerging Antibiotic Water Pollutants
摘要
Due to the problem of antimicrobial resistance, antibiotic residues in water bodies are a growing global problem. Therefore, it is crucial to create photocatalysts that can simultaneously disinfect and break down the antibiotic residues present in water bodies. One of the most thoroughly investigated photocatalysts for a wide variety of applications is TiO2. A tried-and-tested method for improving the functioning of TiO2 under solar or visible light is mono-or co-doping of the catalyst. However, there is not much research done on the use of three or more dopants in creating more effective visible light-activated photocatalysts. Total of 5 ternary doped photocatalyst were analyzed whose atomic configuration is as follows (x = 2, y = 0.1, z = 0.06:: x = 2 y = 0.01, z = 0.06:: x = 1, y = 1, z = 0.06:: x = 1, y = 0.1, z = 0.06:: x = 1, y = 0.1, z = 0.1) in which we can observe there is a variation in the atomic concentration among them. After Physico-chemical characterization of the synthesized catalysts for particle size (DLS analysis), surface area (BET surface area analysis), morphology, crystal structure (XRD analysis), surface chemistry (SEM analysis), bandgap energy values (DRS analysis), leaching studies, Raman spectrograph and recombination, These catalysts synthesized by the eco-friendly EDTA-citrate method and immobilized using a green Poly Lactic Acid (PLA) film. The film is prepared using a Solvent Casting method. The immobilized catalyst is evaluated for degradation of Ampicillin antibiotics under direct sunlight. A maximum degradation of 92% was observed.