Enhanced Photocatalytic Degradation of Amoxicillin with Mn-Doped Cu2O under Sunlight Irradiation

Abstract

In this work, we report the synthesis of Mn-doped Cu2O nanoparticles using aloe vera leaves extract. X-ray diffraction data revealed that the Mn-doped Cu2O crystals have a cubic crystal structure. The surface morphology of the as-synthesized catalyst indicated truncated octahedral and spherical-like shapes. The photocatalytic activity of the catalyst is efficient at pH 9, initial concentration of amoxicillin 15 mg/L, and photocatalyst dosage 1 g/L under sunlight irradiation. 92% of amoxicillin was degraded in the presence of Mn-doped Cu2O. The enhancement in photocatalytic performance is due to the incorporation of Mn, which delays the rapid recombination rate by trapping the photogenerated electron. Therefore, Mn-doped Cu2O could remove pharmaceuticals from pharmaceutical factory and hospital wastes.