Photocatalytic Removals of Anti-Convulsant/Epileptic (Meprobamate (MEP), Steroid Hormone (Androstenedione (ADR)) and Estrogen (Estrone (E1)) using Zinc Oxide / Zinc Sulphide-Biochar Nanocomposite

Abstract

In this study the photodegradability of tree micropollutants namely meprobamate (MEP), androstenedione (ADR) and estrogen (estrone (E1)) was investigated by a zinc oxide / zinc sulphide-biochar nanocomposite. SEM analysis results showed a porouse structure was detected in the surface nanocomposite when MP were not doped while its structure exhibited a crystal layer when the MPs were bound to the nanocomposite. XPS analysis showed characteristic peaks for Zn 2p, S 2p, C 1s, and O 1s while t The peaks near 1,026.88 and 164 eV were the binding points of Zn2p and S2p1/2, respectively. According to TEM results dark points was nor detected on the surface of the biochar while to these locations was reached at the upper layers of the biochar. EDS data exhibited a heterogen layer between C , O , Zn and S elements. The maximum photodegradation yields were 89%, 89 and 99% for MEP, ADR and E1 micropollutants at a increased from 45%, 53 and %60% up to 89%, 89 and 99%at a zinc oxide / zinc sulphide-biochar nanocomposite concentration of 2 mg/l at a zinc oxide to zinc sulphide ratio of 1 to 2 and at a pH of 7.00 after 15 min phottoxidation time. The produced nanocomposide can be reused 16 times with the same yields for micropollutants. After 17. Run the yields decreased only %1.