Degradation of Diclofenac in Aqueous Solutions under Conditions of Combined Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Photocatalysis

The sorption and photocatalytic activities of metal–ceramic composites synthesized via self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) in the degradation of diclofenac (DCF) is studied. The phase composition and optical properties of the composites are studied, along with the bandgap energy of semiconductors that form part of a ceramic matrix were determined from electronic absorption spectra. The effects the phase composition, UV irradiation time, amount and nature of the added catalyst (H 2 C 2 O 4 , H 2 O 2 ), and the composite’s weight have on the oxidative destruction of organic contaminant are studied to optimize the catalytic process. The combination of heterogeneous catalysis using composites based on boron and sialon with the homogeneous photo-Fenton system demonstrate the highest efficiency in the degradation of diclofenac.