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ZrO2–Ag2O nanocomposites encrusted porous polymer monoliths as high-performance visible light photocatalysts for the fast degradation of pharmaceutical pollutants

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Abstract

This work reports a unique ZrO2–Ag2O heterojunction nanocomposite uniformly dispersed on a macro-/meso-porous polymer monolithic template to serve as simple and effective visible light-driven heterogeneous plasmonic photocatalysts for water decontamination. The monolithic photocatalysts' structural properties and surface morphology are characterized using various surface and structural characterization techniques. The photocatalytic performance of the proposed photocatalysts is evaluated by optimizing multiple operational parameters. The photocatalytic properties of the fabricated monolithic nanocomposite are monitored through time-dependent photocatalytic disintegration of norfloxacin drug, a widely employed antimicrobial, with considerable aquatic persistence. The analytical results conclude that a (60:40) ZrO2–Ag2O nanocomposite embedded polymer monolith exhibits superior photocatalytic activity for the complete mineralization of norfloxacin molecules under optimized conditions of solution pH (3.0), photocatalyst quantity (100 mg), pollutant concentration (15 mg/L), photosensitizers (2.0 mM KBrO3), visible light intensity (300 W/cm2 tungsten lamp) and irradiation time (≤ 1 h). The proposed new-age inorganic–organic hybrid visible light photo-catalysts with superior structural and surface properties exhibit brilliant performance and fast responsiveness for water decontamination applications, in addition to their excellent chemical stability, high durability, multi-reusability, and cost-effectiveness.

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Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge the financial support provided by VIT-Vellore through Institute Seed Grant 2021 for carrying out this research. The authors acknowledge the instrumentation support from VIT (Vellore), BIT (Bengaluru), and IISc (Bengaluru).

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  1. J. Dhivya, and S. Naveen Kumar have contributed equally.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemistry, School of Advanced Sciences, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632014, India

    Dhivya Jagadeesan, Naveen Kumar Sompalli, Akhila Maheswari Mohan & Prabhakaran Deivasigamani

  2. Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI), Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, 603102, India

    C. V. S. Brahmmananda Rao & Sivaraman Nagarajan

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  1. Dhivya Jagadeesan
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Jagadeesan, D., Sompalli, N.K., Mohan, A.M. et al. ZrO2–Ag2O nanocomposites encrusted porous polymer monoliths as high-performance visible light photocatalysts for the fast degradation of pharmaceutical pollutants. Photochem Photobiol Sci 21, 1273–1286 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s43630-022-00218-y

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