Fast and Efficient Piezo-Photocatalytic Mineralization of Ibuprofen by BiOBr Nanosheets under Solar Light Irradiation

Abstract

In the present work, the piezoelectric-like behavior of BiOBr nanosheets was utilized to suppress the recombination of photoexcited charges. The piezo-photocatalytic properties of an easily synthesized photocatalyst were tested for the degradation of ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Under ultrasound and solar light irradiation, the reaction rate for ibuprofen mineralization was found to be higher in the BiOBr nanosheets compared with those from the individual photocatalysis and piezocatalysis approaches, respectively. A percentage of synergy higher than 60% was calculated, resulting in the achievement of complete mineralization in less than 30 min. Based on the results, a possible piezo-photocatalytic mechanism, based on the separation of photoinduced charges and the formation of highly active radicals, has been proposed. Furthermore, various scavengers were used to identify the active species by trapping holes and radicals generated during the piezo-photocatalytic degradation process. The main transformation products formed during both photo- and piezo-photodegradation processes were identified by ultraperformance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (UPLC/MS), and the ibuprofen degradation pathway was proposed. The very promising results offer an advantageous approach to drug mineralization without the need for costly materials or expensive processes.

Associating Physical and Photocatalytic Properties of Recyclable and Reusable Blast Furnace Dust Waste

“…The point at which the net charge on the adsorbent surface equals zero, indicating an equilibrium between the number of opposite charges, is referred to as ZPC. Below the ZPC, the surface charge is positively charged, favoring the adsorption of anions; otherwise, it is negatively charged, facilitating the adsorption of cations [115]. The ZPC of BFDW was determined to be 7.26, as shown in Figure S3.…”

Recent advances of piezo‐catalysis and photocatalysis for efficient environmental remediation

“…E. Falletta et al [284] explored the piezoelectric‐like characteristics of BiOBr nanosheets, successfully suppressing the recombination of photoexcited charges. Their study demonstrated remarkable outcomes, achieving complete degradation of IBF within 20 minutes using a 20 kHz ultrasonic cleaner and a ‘ULTRA VITALUX 300 W‐OSRAM solar lamp’.…”

Synthesis and full-spectrum-responsive photocatalytic activity from UV/Vis to near-infrared region of S-O decorated YMnO3 nanoparticles for photocatalytic degradation of ibuprofen

“…For such pollutants, it is necessary to degrade them from the source in order to effectively eliminate their pollution to the environment ( Othman et al, 2024 ). To effectively degrade ibuprofen, researchers have used a number of methods to try to remove this contaminant, including adsorption, electrocatalysis, photocatalysis, thermal catalysis, and biodegradation ( Navrozidou et al, 2019 ; Falletta et al, 2023 ; Abdo et al, 2024 ; Jin et al, 2024 ; Li et al, 2024 ). Among these methods, photocatalysis is a green technology that degrades ibuprofen only with the help of light energy ( Sruthi et al, 2021 ; Rebollo et al, 2024 ).…”