Preparation and Characterization of Flower- Shaped pBiOI/n-ZnO for Photocatalytic Breakdown of Erythromycin Using Sunlight
Subject Areas : Medicinal Chemistry
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Keywords: Photocatalyst, BiOI, ZnO, Erythromycin, Sunlight degradation, p-n heterojunction,
Abstract :
This study presents the synthesis, structural analysis, and photocatalytic evaluation of a novel flower- shaped Zinc oxide, Bismuth Oxyiodide, and p-BiOI/n-ZnO heterojunction for the efficient degradation of erythromycin under sunlight. The unique morphology and band alignment of the heterojunction significantly enhance light absorption, charge separation, and pollutant breakdown efficiency. These photocatalysts were characterized and tested for erythromycin degradation under sunlight. Using Design of Experiments, key parameters were evaluated: pH, time, catalyst mass, and erythromycin concentration. Optimal conditions achieved 99.14% degradation efficiency at pH 3, 102 minutes, 0.16 g catalyst, and 43.34 mg/L erythromycin. Isotherm studies revealed the best fit with the 4-parameter Fritz- Schlunder model. This research offers a promising solution for removing persistent antibiotics from aqueous environments, surpassing conventional treatment methods.