Green and facile synthesis of heterojunction nanocatalyst: Insights and mechanism of antibiotics removal

Detecting of antibiotics in the aquatic environment is a serious health concern due to the development of antibiotic-resistant genes in humans and marine life. The current investigation aims to synthesize highly efficient heterojunction bimetallic nanocatalyst (Cu0 + Ag0)@Bentonite in a facile and 'greener' route. In situ, the phytochemicals of P. guajava leaves synthesize the Cu0 and Ag0 nanoparticles onto the bentonite support media. The advanced analytical methods characterize the nanomaterials extensively. The potential antibiotics (amoxicillin and sulfamethazine) are treated in photo-Fenton-like processes utilizing the UV-A and LED (Visible) light sources. The bimetallic (Cu0 + Ag0)@Bentonite exhibited a synergized in the photo-induced degradation of amoxicillin and sulfamethazine. The effect of pH, initial pollutant concentrations, and the presence of interfering ions optimize the removal efficiency and demonstrate insights into the reaction mechanism. The photo-Fentonlike degradation of AMX and SMZ was found to be 84 % and 74 %, respectively, under the UV-A illumination employing (Cu0 + Ag0)@Bentonite nanocatalyst. Similarly, the process mineralizes a significant amount of these pollutants, i.e., 66 % and 62 % of SMX and SMZ, respectively, using UV-A irradiation., enhancing the applicability of the catalyst. The nanocatalyst showed greater stability in the reactor operations, and Cu(II) leaches very minimally extent in the reaction pathways. The real water implications inferred the potential of novel nanocatalysts in scaling up the process for the decontamination of water contaminated with amoxicillin and sulfamethazine.