Fe2O3/diatomite materials as efficient photo-Fenton catalysts for ciprofloxacin removal

In this study, we used Fe2O3/diatomite material system toward ciprofloxacin (CIP) photo-Fenton removal in water under visible light (vis) excitation. The characterization of Fe2O3/diatomite catalysts was determined by X-ray diffraction patterns, Fourier-transform infrared analysis, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and scanning electron microscopy. The photo-Fenton catalytic activity of the Fe2O3/diatomite was appraised by the removal efficiency of the CIP throughout the effect of the H2O2 with various parameters such as initial pH, catalyst amount, and H2O2 amount. The results indicate that 0.2 gL(-1) Fe2O3/diatomite catalysts achieved the highest performance at approximately 90.03% with a 50 mu L H2O2 concentration. Furthermore, the Fe2O3/diatomite catalysts have high stability, with over 80% CIP removed after five cycles. This study is inspired to develop a potential material for photo-Fenton degradation of antibiotics in wastewater.

Automated summary

In this study, Fe2O3/diatomite material system was used for the photo-Fenton removal of ciprofloxacin in water under visible light excitation. The Fe2O3/diatomite catalysts were characterized by various techniques, and the removal efficiency of ciprofloxacin was evaluated by the effect of H2O2 with different parameters. The results showed that the 0.2 g/L Fe2O3/diatomite catalyst achieved the highest removal efficiency of approximately 90.03% with a 50 μL H2O2 concentration. The Fe2O3/diatomite catalysts also exhibited high stability, with over 80% ciprofloxacin removed after five cycles. This study provides insights into the development of potential materials for the photo-Fenton degradation of antibiotics in wastewater.