The Catalytic Role of Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles as a Support Material for TiO₂ and ZnO on Chlorpyrifos Photodegradation in an Aqueous Solution.

ABSTRACT: Chlorpyrifos (CP) is a globally used pesticide with acute toxicity. This work studied the photocatalytic degradation of CP using TiO₂, ZnO nanoparticles, and nanocomposites of TiO₂ and ZnO supported on SPIONs (SPION@SiO₂@TiO₂ and SPION@SiO₂@ZnO). The nanocomposites were synthesized by multi-step incipient wetness impregnation. The effects of the initial pH, catalyst type, and dose were evaluated. The nanocomposites of SPION@SiO₂@TiO₂ and SPION@SiO₂@ZnO showed higher CP photodegradation levels than free nanoparticles, reaching 95.6% and 82.3%, respectively, at pH 7. The findings indicate that iron oxide, as a support material for TiO₂ and ZnO, extended absorption edges and delayed the electron-hole recombination of the nanocomposites, improving their photocatalytic efficiency. At the same time, these nanocomposites, especially SPION@SiO₂@TiO₂, showed efficient degradation of 3,5,6-trichloropyridinol (TCP), one of the final metabolites of CP. The stability and reuse of this nanocomposite were also evaluated, with 74.6% efficiency found after six cycles. Therefore, this nanomaterial represents an eco-friendly, reusable, and effective alternative for the degradation of chlorpyrifos in wastewater treatment.

SUBMITTER: Herrera W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10856829 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature