Synthesis and characterization of TiO₂/LDH layered double hydroxide composites: Utilization as photocatalysts for amoxicillin degradation under UVA irradiation

Abstract

Because of its long-term high toxicity, the anarchic dispersion of amoxicillin antibiotic in the water supply system must be controlled. Titanium dioxide is the most used because of its high photocatalytic activity but its removal and regeneration is a major disadvantage. To resolve this matter, we have developed photocatalysts based on TiO₂ associated with layered double hydroxide materials for the degradation of amoxicillin under UVA radiation. TiO₂/LDH composite materials were synthesized by direct co-precipitation method at constant pH and characterized by conventional analytical techniques including XRD, TEM, and UV–vis DRS. The supported catalyst TiO₂/Mg-Fe-LDH exhibits an excellent photodegradation efficiency, compared to TiO₂/Mg-Al-LDH. The highest degradation of AMX was noted in alkaline conditions. The recyclability was as possible and the majority of the starting quantity of materials was retained after four cycles of photodegradation. A photodegradation mechanism was proposed.

Keywords:

• Antibiotic
• environment
• amoxicillin
• layered double hydroxide
• photocatalyst
• degradation

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.