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Degradation of ampicillin antibiotic in aqueous solution by ZnO/polyaniline nanocomposite as photocatalyst under sunlight irradiation

Environmental Science and Pollution Research volume 19, pages 2291–2299 (2012)Cite this article

Abstract

Purpose and method

ZnO/polyaniline nanocomposite in core–shell structure was prepared by the synthesis and adsorption of polyaniline chains on the structure of ZnO nanoparticles. Fourier transform infrared and ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction patterns, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy were used to characterize the composition and structure of the nanocomposite. The nanocomposite was used as an active photocatalyst for photodegradation and removal of ampicillin in aqueous solution.

Results

UV–Vis spectroscopy studies showed that ZnO/polyaniline nanocomposite absorbs visible light irradiation as well as ultraviolet spectrum, and therefore, it can be photoactivated under visible and ultraviolet lights. The photocatalytic activity of ZnO/polyaniline nanocomposite in degradation of ampicillin molecules in aqueous solution under natural sunlight irradiation was evaluated and compared with that of ZnO nanoparticles and pristine polyaniline. The ZnO/polyaniline core–shell nanocomposite exhibited higher photocatalytic activity compared to ZnO nanoparticles and pristine polyaniline. The effect of operating conditions (pH, ZnO/polyaniline nanocomposite dosage, and ampicillin concentration) in the photocatalytic degradation of ampicillin using ZnO/polyaniline nanocomposite was investigated. The optimum conditions for maximum efficiency of ampicillin degradation under 120 min sunlight irradiation were found as 10 mg L−1 dosage of ZnO/polyaniline nanocomposite, ampicillin concentration of 4.5 mg L−1, and solution pH = 5. Under optimum operating conditions, degradation efficiency was reached to 41% after 120 min of exposure to the sunlight irradiation.

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Acknowledgement

The financial support of this research by the University of Tabriz is gratefully acknowledged.

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Affiliations

  1. Polymer Composite Research Laboratory, Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran

    Rahimeh Nosrati, Ali Olad & Roya Maramifar

Authors
  1. Rahimeh Nosrati
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  2. Ali Olad
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  3. Roya Maramifar
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Ali Olad.

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Responsible editor: Philippe Garrigues

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Nosrati, R., Olad, A. & Maramifar, R. Degradation of ampicillin antibiotic in aqueous solution by ZnO/polyaniline nanocomposite as photocatalyst under sunlight irradiation. Environ Sci Pollut Res 19, 2291–2299 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-011-0736-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-011-0736-5

Keywords

  • ZnO nanoparticle
  • Polyaniline
  • Photocatalysis
  • Antibiotic
  • Ampicillin
  • Sunlight irradiation