Hierarchical Zeolite Y Containing Ti and Fe Oxides as Photocatalysts for Degradation of Amoxicillin

J Nanosci Nanotechnol. 2020 Feb 1;20(2):1158-1169. doi: 10.1166/jnn.2020.16981.

Abstract

The Ti/hierarchical zeolites Y were obtained by direct and post synthesis methods and loaded with Fe(III) by ion-exchange and impregnation resulting Fe-Ti/hierarchical zeolites Y photocatalysts. The synthesized materials were characterized by XRD, SEM microscopy, N2 physical adsorption, Raman, UV-Vis and XPS and EPR spectroscopy. XRD patterns evidenced the crystalline structure of the zeolite Y in all materials, excepting the samples with higher Fe content. The presence of anatase was evidenced by XRD and Raman spectroscopy in the samples obtained by impregnation while α-Fe₂O₃ was depicted in the Raman spectra of the samples with Ti and lower Fe loading. SEM images and N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms confirmed the formation of mesopores together with microporous crystals of zeolite Y. The UV-Vis spectra proved a red-shifted adsorption band for samples with iron. In all these samples XPS shows Fe3+ as oxide on the surface and EPR Fe3+ in tetrahedral coordination. Different variables such as hierarchical structure, amount of iron, catalyst loading, concentration of pollutant solution, pH value were studied to estimate their effects on performances of photocatalysts in degradation of amoxicillin from aqueous solution in UV and Visible light. A higher adsorption capacity and degradation efficiency of amoxicillin (100%) was noticed for hierarchical materials, especially for higher iron oxide loaded samples.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amoxicillin
  • Ferric Compounds
  • Oxides
  • Titanium
  • Zeolites*

Substances

  • Ferric Compounds
  • Oxides
  • Zeolites
  • Amoxicillin
  • Titanium