Preparation of SiNWs/rGO/CuO Nanocomposites as Effective Photocatalyst for Degradation of Ciprofloxacin Assisted with Peroxymonosulfate

Photocatalysis technology coupled with peroxymonosulfate (PMS) is a promising strategy for water purification. In this work, copper oxide (CuO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) are deposited on silicon nanowires (SiNWs) via electrophoretic process. The obtained samples are characterized by SEM coupled with EDX, SIMS, XRD, Raman and UV–Vis spectrophotometry. The SiNWs/rGO/CuO nanocomposites were applied as photocatalyst to degrade ciprofloxacin (CIP) by activating PMS under visible light irradiation. Under these conditions, approximately 96% of CIP was degraded within 40 min. While, 81% of CIP was degraded within 240 min when the SiNWs/rGO/CuO photocatalyst was used without PMS. The results of radical trapping tests show that h + , O 2 . - , SO 4 . - , and OH . are involved in CIP degradation process. A possible mechanism of CIP degradation was discussed. This work provides new idea to develop an efficient photocatalyst/PMS system to eliminate emerging pollutants from aquatic environment.