Synergistic photocatalytic activity of PbS/clinoptilolite in ciprofloxacin photodegradation: An experimental design study

Abstract

PbS was loaded in clinoptilolite nanoparticles (NCP) through the ion exchange and precipitation processes (PbS- NCP). XRD, FTIR, SEM-EDX, X-ray mapping, and DRS techniques were then used to identify the samples. The pHpzc of PbS- NCP was estimated at 7.1. The boosted photocatalytic activity of PbS- NCP was observed toward ciprofloxacin (CPX). The influencing variables' simultaneous interaction effects were then studied by experimental design via response surface methodology (RSM). The optimal RSM condition run included pH 7, a catalyst dose of 1/5 g/L, and 4/75 mg/L of CPX at an irradiation time of 17 min. After four reusing runs, the catalyst reused and retained about 76% of its initial activity.