Emerging silver-doped strontium titanate nanostructures as photocatalysts for the degradation of organic pollutants under visible light

The primary objective of this research is to explore a novel and straightforward method, known as one -pot hydrothermal synthesis, for producing photocatalyst nanocomposite materials consisting of perovskite-based silver doped strontium titanate (Ag-SrTiO3). The investigation focused on assessing the photocatalytic effectiveness and recyclability of these nanocomposites when employed to eliminate ciprofloxacin (CIP) antibiotics under visible -light exposure. The XRD of the Ag-SrTiO3 exhibited a highly crystalline nature with stacked cube morphology, which was also revealed through the SEM technique. The TEM analysis showed the characteristics of the materials such as particle shape, and the SAED pattern confirmed the crystalline phases. The essential reaction parameters, including the amount of catalyst used, the solution's pH level, and the initial pollutant concentration, were altered to identify the most favorable conditions for photodegradation. Furthermore, this composite catalyst displayed excellent stability and could be reused, achieving an 84.5 % removal of CIP after five consecutive cycles. Through scavenger tests, it was determined that photogenerated holes (h+) and superoxide free radicals (center dot O2) played key roles in the degradation process. This research offers valuable insights into designing highly efficient nanomaterials for the removal of antibiotic degradation from wastewater, and it proposes a possible reaction mechanism.