Optimization of the TiO2/Ge composition by the response surface method of photocatalytic degradation under ultraviolet-A irradiation and the toxicity reduction of amoxicillin

The photocatalytic removal of amoxicillin (AMX) over a TiO2/Ce composite under ultraviolet-A irradiation was investigated in this study. The optimal composition of the TiO2/Ge composite was determined by the response surface method to maximize AMX removal and the reduction of toxicity in the aqueous phase; the photocatalytic degradation of AMX over the optimal TiO2/Ge composite was approximately 91.6%. (C) 2015 The Korean Society of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.