Photocatalytic degradation of Prozac® mediated by TiO2 nanoparticles obtained via three synthesis methods: sonochemical, microwave hydrothermal, and polymeric precursor

Moreira, Ailton J.; Campos, Lilian O.; Maldi, Caroline P.; Dias, Jeferson A.; Paris, Elaine C.; Giraldi, Tania R.; Freschi, Gian P. G.

Photocatalytic degradation of Prozac® mediated by TiO2 nanoparticles obtained via three synthesis methods: sonochemical, microwave hydrothermal, and polymeric precursor

2020

Three different synthesis methods were applied to obtain TiO₂ nanoparticles: microwave-assisted hydrothermal (TiO₂-MW), sonochemical (TiO₂-US), and polymeric precursor (TiO₂-PP). The nanoparticles thus obtained presented 93% (TiO₂-MW) and 92% (TiO₂-US) anatase phase, and TiO₂-PP 93% rutile phase. The TiO₂-US sample performed best during the Prozac® photodegradation assays because of its lipophilic surface, attributable to the C-H groups therein. Additionally, adsorption rate and photodegradation were optimized by adjusting Prozac® solution to pH ~ 8. Following Prozac® photodegradation, quantitative monitoring of its by-products (PPMA, MAEB, and TFMP) was done using HPLC. This quantitative approach led us to conclude that semiconductor photoactivity cannot be discussed solely in terms of the main compound. Lastly, it was seen that these by-products compete with each other in the degradation mechanisms and are influenced by different materials. Graphical abstract

Показать больше [+]