Synergistic integration of ternary chalcogenide ZnIn2S4 and brownmillerite Ca2Fe2O5 for efficient degradation of diverse antibiotics: Facilitating easy retrieval with dialysis bag

• Published in: Materials research bulletin Vol. 180; p. 113007
• Main Authors: S B, Ezhilarasi, R, Janani, K, Asokan, Singh, Shubra
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.12.2024
• Subjects: Catalytic properties; Composite; Oxides; Wastewater treatment; Oxides; Catalytic properties; Composite; Wastewater treatment
• ISSN: 0025-5408
• DOI: 10.1016/j.materresbull.2024.113007

•An effective photoactive Z-Scheme heterostructure based on Zinc Indium Sulfide/Calcium Ferrite composite.•Effective degradation of persistent antibiotics with different structures.•Easy retrieval of the photocatalyst post degradation using dialysis bags.•Utilization of LED as a cost-efficient light source for photodegradation of organic pollutants. This work leverages the synergetic effect of chalcogenide ZnIn2S4 (Zinc Indium Sulfide) and brownmillerite Ca2Fe2O5 (Calcium Ferrite) composite (ZC). The ZC composite with surface oxygen vacancy, superior light absorption, charge separation, good stability, and recyclability was prepared. The material could effectively degrade various antibiotics (having different structures), such as Metronidazole, Nitrofurantoin, Sulfamethoxazole, and Tetracycline with 98 %, 99.5 %, 98.4 %, and 82.4 % efficiency respectively. A customized LED chamber was used as a cost-efficient photoreactor. Post-degradation, dialysis bags were used effectively to retrieve the photocatalytic material from water, as corroborated by leaching studies based on the Inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). This work marks a significant leap forward in the quest for wastewater treatment, offering a versatile solution. [Display omitted]