Photodegradation of Benzothiazole and Amantadine micropollutants with AG0(NP)/TiO2 nanocomposite


Akçağlar S.

International Refereed Journal of Engineering and Science, cilt.14, sa.6, ss.84-91, 2025 (Hakemli Dergi)

Özet

The photodegradation of benzothiazole and amantadine micropollutants was investigated using a silver nanoparticles (AgNPs)/titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanocomposite under ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. This study aimed to enhance the photocatalytic efficiency of TiO2 by incorporating AgNPs, which are known to improve charge separation and increase reactive species generation. Characterization of the AgNPs/TiO2 nanocomposite was conducted using techniques such as UV-Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The degradation kinetics of benzothiazole and amantadine were evaluated, revealing that the AgNPs/TiO2 system significantly accelerated the degradation processes compared to pure TiO2. The optimal conditions for photocatalytic activity, including pH, initial pollutant concentration, and catalyst dosage, were systematically optimized. The results indicated a notable reduction in the half-life of both micropollutants, highlighting the potential of AgNPs/TiO2 nanocomposites in wastewater treatment applications. Additionally, the study provides insights into the mechanistic pathways involved in the degradation processes, contributing to the understanding of photocatalytic mechanisms for the removal of pharmaceutical contaminants from aquatic environments. The comprehensive characterization of Ag(NP)/TiO₂ thin films using these advanced techniques enables a detailed understanding of their structural, optical, and surface properties. Such knowledge is vital for optimizing their performance in the photodegradation of micropollutants, thus paving the way for effective environmental remediation strategies.