Photocatalytic degradation of ibuprofen and naproxen in water over NS-TiO2 coating on polycarbonate: Process modeling and intermediates identification

Abstract

Nitrogen and sulfur doped TiO2 was coated on polycarbonate (NS-TiO2@PC) by simple deposition method. The coated film was characterized by field emission scanning electron microscope and atomic force microscope. The photocatalytic activity of the NS-TiO2@PC was evaluated through degradation of ibuprofen and naproxen under visible light irradiation. Optimization results showed that the maximal degradation efficiencies of 83% and 100% were achieved for ibuprofen and naproxen, respectively. In addition, the possible photodegradation intermediates were identified by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. This study proved that the NS-TiO2@PC had excellent stability during photodegradation of pollutants and will have practical applications for environmental remediation.