Green synthesis of Nb-doped ZnO nanocomposite for photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline antibiotic under visible light

• Published in: Materials letters Vol. 308; p. 131129
• Main Authors: Nguyen, Thi Hong Anh, Le, Van Thuan, Doan, Van-Dat, Tran, Anh Vy, Nguyen, Van Cuong, Nguyen, Anh-Tien, Vasseghian, Yasser
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 01-02-2022; Elsevier BV
• Subjects: Antibiotics; Catalytic activity; Materials science; Nanocomposites; Nb-dopped ZnO; Niobium; Photocatalysis; Photocatalysts; Photodegradation; Recyclability; Synthesis; Tetracycline antibiotic; Visible light; Zinc oxide; Tetracycline antibiotic; Visible light; Nb-dopped ZnO; Photocatalysis
• ISSN: 0167-577X; 1873-4979
• DOI: 10.1016/j.matlet.2021.131129

•Nb-doped ZnO composites were synthesized using Vernonia amygdalina leaves extract.•The band gap value of ZnO decreased with Nb doping.•Nb-ZnO exhibited an enhanced photocatalytic activity toward tetracycline.•Nb-ZnO maintained good stability after five degradation recycles.
This study describes a novel green synthesis of Nb-ZnO based on Vernonia amygdalina leaves extract as a reactant without using any commercial chemicals. The fabricated composites were characterized and applied for degradation of tetracycline under visible light. Nb-ZnO samples showed markedly improved photocatalytic activity compared to ZnO. The photocatalyst with an Nb:Zn molar ratio of 1:1 had the highest tetracycline degradation efficiency, reached 93.2% in 180 min. The Nb-ZnO composite also possessed superior recyclability and stability. The photocatalytic mechanism was established with the main participation of •O2− and •OH reactive radicals. Nb-ZnO can be used as a promising photocatalyst for antibiotic removal.