ZnO/ZrO₂ composites: synthesis characterization and photocatalytic performance in the degradation of oxytetracycline antibiotic

ABSTRACT

ZnO/ZrO₂ composite catalysts of different morphologies were synthesized by co-precipitation method and then characterized by SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope), XRD (X-ray Diffraction), PL (Photoluminescence), UV-vis DRS (Diffuse Reflectance Spectra). The surface properties were obtained using BET advanced analytical technique. The synthesized catalysts were analyzed to determine the photocatalytic efficiency using oxytetracycline (OTC) antibiotic under UV light. ZnO/ZrO₂ with mole ratio 0.5:1 exhibited higher photocatalytic activity under optimal conditions that can be attributed to the effective inhibition of e⁻/h⁺ recombination. The optimal experimental conditions were setup at pH 5 with catalyst dosage of 24 g∙L⁻¹ and at initial OTC concentration of 10 mg∙L⁻¹. The carbonate, nitrate and iodate ions ($C{O}_3^{2-},N{O}_3^{-},I{O}_3^{-})$were used to evaluate possible degradation mechanism. The $I{O}_3^{-}$ ions were found more active in the photocatalytic degradation mechanism.

KEYWORDS:

• ZnO/ZrO₂ composites
• oxytetracycline
• radical effect

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Mugla Sitki Kocman University Scientific Research Project [Grant number 15/139].