Sustainable photoelectrocatalytic oxidation of antibiotics using Ag–CoFe2O4@TiO2 heteronanostructures for eco-friendly wastewater remediation

Developing high-performance and durable catalysts presents a significant challenge for oxidizing toxic inorganic and pharmaceutical compounds in wastewater. Recently, there has been a surge in the development of new heterogeneous catalysts for degrading pharmaceutical compounds, driven by advancements in electrocatalysts and photoelectrocatalysts. In this study, a plasmonic Ag nanoparticles decorated CoFe2O4@TiO2 heteronanostructures have been successfully designed to fabricate a high-performing photoelectrode for the oxidation of pharmaceutical compounds. The developed Ag–CoFe2O4@TiO2 possessed a higher electrochemical stability and effectively harvested the UV to visible and NIR radiation in sunlight which generates the enormous photochemical reactive species that involved in the oxidation of ibuprofen in wastewater. Under direct sunlight irradiation, Ag–CoFe2O4@TiO2 achieved complete oxidation of ibuprofen in wastewater at 0.8 V vs RHE. This indicates that metallic Ag nanoparticles are involved in the charge separation and transport of charge carriers from the photoactive sites of CoFe2O4@TiO2, promoting the generation of abundant hydroxy, oxy, and superoxide radicals that actively break the bonds of ibuprofen. Additionally, oxidation agents such as urea and H2O2 were utilized to enhance the formation of superoxide ions and hydroxyl radicals, which rapidly participate in the oxidation of ibuprofen. Significantly, testing for recyclability confirmed the stability of the Ag–CoFe2O4@TiO2 photoanode, ensuring its suitability for prolonged use in photoelectrochemical advanced oxidation processes. Integrating Ag–CoFe2O4@TiO2 photoanodes into water purification systems could enhance economic feasibility, reduce energy consumption, and improve efficiency. [Display omitted] •Innovative photoelectrocatalysts designed for advanced oxidation processes.•Plasmonic Ag facilitates efficient charge separation and transport in CoFe2O4@TiO2.•Enhanced photooxidation of ibuprofen antibiotics achieved with Ag–CoFe2O4@TiO2 photoanode.•Recyclability studies validate sustainable use of the photocatalyst for medical wastewater treatment.