Effect of pH and active radical on the photodegradation of Ciprofloxacin antibiotic in wastewater using novel catalyst based on rGO/halloysite composite decorating with copper iron oxide

A new generation photocatalyst CuFe2O4/rGO/halloysite nanotube (HNT) was manufactured using a simple procedure in this work. Material characterisation results reveal that the CuFe2O4 active phase with size of around 30-40 nm is spread rather consistently across sandwich-like structure rGO/HNT. The material's bandgap energy 1.9 eV, which boosts capacity to function even visible light area. catalytic activity test showed catalyst, an composition 70% by weight, able completely decomposing CIP after just 1 hour light. pHpzc value and pH impact were also investigated. findings suggest material can handle neutral environment (pH = 7). Scavenger tests demonstrated involvement reactive radicals degradation, holes (h+) hydroxyl (●OH) having major effect. These important constitute basis for in-depth investigations degradation mechanism.