Microwave-assisted Hydrothermal Method Research Articles

Rapid Synthesis of Hierarchical Cobalt Disulfide Nanostructures by Microwave-Assisted Hydrothermal Method for High Performance Supercapatteries

Rapid Synthesis of Hierarchical Cobalt Disulfide Nanostructures by Microwave-Assisted Hydrothermal Method for High Performance Supercapatteries

Zn and Ni doped hydroxyapatite: Study of the influence of the type of energy source on the photocatalytic activity and antimicrobial properties

The present work aimed to produce HAp nanoparticles doped with Zn and Ni in order to analyze the incorporation of these elements in the catalytic and antimicrobial properties of HAp. The samples were obtained by the microwave-assisted hydrothermal method in 30 min at 150 °C. XRD and FTIR results showed that HAp was formed without the presence of secondary phases, and Rietveld refinement indicated a reduction in crystallite size after doping. Nanorod-like morphologies were observed by SEM-FEG with reduction in particle size and increase in specific surface area. Furthermore, the hidden gap at 3.26 eV, photoluminescence indicated that there was a predominance of deep defects and XPS showed the presence of dopants on the HAp surface. The catalytic results in the degradation of methylene blue dye indicated that the zinc-doped sample removed 97.85 % under sunlight, 66.81 % under UV light and 70.64 % under ultrasound. After four cycles of reuse under sunlight, good photocatalytic performance was maintained, and inhibition tests indicated that holes and hydroxyls are the active radicals. Antimicrobial activity tests showed that zinc-doped and co-doped samples were efficient in inhibiting Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli). This work brings a promising alternative application for hydroxyapatite in environmental and microbial remediation.

Unraveling the antimicrobial activity of CuS functionalized titanates under visible LED light irradiation

Titanate nanotubes (TNs) functionalized with CuS nanoparticles using the microwave-assisted hydrothermal method were characterized via XRD, Raman spectroscopy, UV–Vis spectrophotometry, and N2 physisorption. The as-synthesized CuS/TNs had anatase as the main crystalline phase and the band-gap energy was in the visible region, 2.9 eV. The TNs were recrystallized on titania and functionalized with CuS, forming spherical bundles. SEM showed agglomerates of cauliflower-like semispherical particles. The antimicrobial photoactive assets were evaluated against the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Inhibition was clearly visible in S. aureus after the first 20 min of exposure to a 6-W LED irradiation lamp. The visible-light catalyzed completely and irreversibly the inactivation of S. aureus after 60 min, however, in the case of E. coli, this material only slightly disturbed its growth, which was recovered after 60 min. The successful result obtained with S. aureus can be explained by the fact that it lacks periplasmic superoxide dismutase (SOD) but has staphyloxanthin for external protection against ROS. However, the CuS/TN particles could release Cu2+ ions, which got attached to bacterium structures or entered the cytoplasm; these events together with the generation of ROS under visible LED light helped inactivate quickly staphyloxanthin, thus inflicting permanent damage to the periplasmic membrane.

Optical transition properties, 1550-to-980 nm upconversion, and temperature sensing of NaEr(WO4)2:Yb3+ phosphors synthesized via the microwave-assisted hydrothermal method

Improving photoelectric conversion efficiency and enhancing heat management are two critical considerations for silicon-based solar cells. In this study, efficient Yb3+ infrared emissions through the upconversion process were achieved by adjusting the concentrations of Yb3+ in Er3+ highly condensed NaEr(WO4)2 phosphor. Additionally, the temperature sensing based on the fluorescence intensity ratio (FIR) was also studied in this tungstate system. Moreover, the radiative transition rates for all relevant transitions of Er3+ in NaEr(WO4)2:Yb3+ phosphors were calculated in the framework of Judd-Ofelt theory, and the optical transition properties of Yb3+ were also revealed by taking Er3+ as a reference. It was found that the radiative transition rate of Yb3+:2F5/2→2F7/2 (2977.52s−1) is significantly higher than that of Er3+:4I11/2→4I15/2 (303.50s−1), thus suggesting the feasibility for the strong emission at 980 nm of Yb3+ in assistance of the energy transfer 4I11/2+2F7/2→4I15/2+2F5/2. Finally, strong and nearly pure NIR emissions of Yb3+ were experimentally observed under 1550 nm excitation, and possible upconversion mechanisms were proposed. The temperature sensing performance of the studied materials was also assessed. All the results imply that NaEr(WO4)2:Yb3+ constitutes an excellent material for enhancing both the photoelectric conversion efficiency and thermal management of silicon-based solar cells.

An Optimized MnO2-Ag Nanocomposite-Based Sensing Platform for Determination of 4-nitrophenol in Tomato Samples: Influences of Morphological Aspect of MnO2 Nanostructures and Synergic Effect on Electrochemical Kinetic Parameters and Analytical Performance

Abstract We have introduced potential modifiers synthesized from attached Ag nanoparticles (NPs) on MnO2 nanostructural surfaces, and fabricated an electrochemical sensor toward 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) detection. MnO2 with various morphologies (nanowires, nanorods, and nanosheets) has been prepared by hydrothermal and microwave-assisted hydrothermal methods, while AgNPs have been prepared by the simple electrochemical method. The structural characteristics and surface morphologies have been investigated via X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy measurements. The effect of the change in morphology on the electrochemical behaviors and sensing performance has been investigated and discussed in detail. A parameter series involving the redox reaction of [Fe(CN)6]3-/4- and 4-NP reduction process has been calculated for each as-prepared modified electrode. Electrochemical results evidenced that benefiting from possessing outstanding electrochemical behaviors such as better conductivity, faster electron transfer ability, larger electroactive surface area, and higher charge transfer kinetics, MnO2 sheets-Ag/SPE has offered wider linear concentration range of 0.5-50 μM, LOD value as low as 0.073 µM, and high selectivity/repeatability. Furthermore, the optimization in the morphological aspect of MnO2 nanosheets and synergic effects arising from the effective combination with AgNPs make it become a model material for modifying electrode surfaces, indicating great potential for advanced electrochemical sensing applications.

Microwave-Assisted Hydrothermal Synthesis of Ru-doped Mn3O4 Nanoflowers for Biomedical Applications

Ruthenium-doped manganese oxide nanoflowers (denoted as Ru-Mn3O4 NFs) were synthesized via microwave-assisted hydrothermal (MW-HT) method. The prepared NFs were evaluated for antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and hemolytic assays. Because of their unique physicochemical features, low cytotoxicity, excellent stability, exceptional antibacterial action, and significant interest in biomedical field. Various analytical techniques were used to assess the related phase constitution, elemental content, and surface morphology. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) micrographs revealed that the Ru-Mn3O4 NFs had a tetragonal phase with a nanoflowers-like shape and Ru mainly existed as the metallic state. It has been found that Ru-Mn3O4 NFs hold higher microbial activities against various pathogens, making them ideal options for fighting bacterial infections.

Scaling-Up Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of Highly Defective Pd@UiO-66-NH2 Catalysts for Selective Olefin Hydrogenation under Ambient Conditions.

The need to develop green and cost-effective industrial catalytic processes has led to growing interest in preparing more robust, efficient, and selective heterogeneous catalysts at a large scale. In this regard, microwave-assisted synthesis is a fast method for fabricating heterogeneous catalysts (including metal oxides, zeolites, metal-organic frameworks, and supported metal nanoparticles) with enhanced catalytic properties, enabling synthesis scale-up. Herein, the synthesis of nanosized UiO-66-NH2 was optimized via a microwave-assisted hydrothermal method to obtain defective matrices essential for the stabilization of metal nanoparticles, promoting catalytically active sites for hydrogenation reactions (760 kg·m-3·day-1 space time yield, STY). Then, this protocol was scaled up in a multimodal microwave reactor, reaching 86% yield (ca. 1 g, 1450 kg·m-3·day-1 STY) in only 30 min. Afterward, Pd nanoparticles were formed in situ decorating the nanoMOF by an effective and fast microwave-assisted hydrothermal method, resulting in the formation of Pd@UiO-66-NH2 composites. Both the localization and oxidation states of Pd nanoparticles (NPs) in the MOF were achieved using high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), respectively. The optimal composite, loaded with 1.7 wt % Pd, exhibited an extraordinary catalytic activity (>95% yield, 100% selectivity) under mild conditions (1 bar H2, 25 °C, 1 h reaction time), not only in the selective hydrogenation of a variety of single alkenes (1-hexene, 1-octene, 1-tridecene, cyclohexene, and tetraphenyl ethylene) but also in the conversion of a complex mixture of alkenes (i.e., 1-hexene, 1-tridecene, and anethole). The results showed a powerful interaction and synergy between the active phase (Pd NPs) and the catalytic porous scaffold (UiO-66-NH2), which are essential for the selectivity and recyclability.

Controlled Synthesis of Triangular Submicron-Sized CeO2 and Its Polishing Performance.

CeO2 is widely used in the field of chemical-mechanical polishing for integrated circuits. Morphology, particle size, crystallinity, and Ce3+ concentration are crucial factors that affect polishing performance. In this study, we successfully synthesized two novel triangular CeO2 abrasives with similar particle sizes (600 nm) but different morphologies and Ce3+ concentrations using a microwave-assisted hydrothermal method with high-concentration raw materials, and no surfactants or template agents were added. It is generally believed that CeO2 with a higher Ce3+ concentration leads to better polishing performance. However, the results of polishing indicate that CeO2 synthesized at 200 °C, despite its lower Ce3+ concentration, demonstrates outstanding polishing performance, achieving a polishing rate of 324 nm/min, and the Sa of Si wafers decreased by 3.6% after polishing. This suggests that, under similar particle size conditions, the morphology of CeO2 plays a dominant role in the mechanical effects during the polishing process. Additionally, compared to commercial polishing slurries, the synthesized samples demonstrated better polishing performance. This indicates that, in CMP, the pursuit of smaller spherical abrasives may not be necessary. Instead, the appropriate shape and particle size can better balance the material removal rate and surface roughness.

Multifunctional platform for future applications in cell and tissue engineering based on silicate phosphate hydroxyapatite co-doped with Li+, Eu3+ and Gd3+ ions

Although hydroxyapatite has established itself as a promising biomaterial for the simultaneous diagnosis and treatment of bone defects, several physicochemical properties can be further refined to achieve a specialized theranostic platform for cell and tissue engineering. In this context, we synthesized silicate-substituted hydroxyapatites co-doped with Li+, Eu3+, and Gd3+ ions (abbr. as Si-HAp-LEG) using a microwave-assisted hydrothermal method. The aim was to create a combination of dopants to stimulate bone regeneration (Li+ ion) while enabling bioimaging (Eu3+ and Gd3+ ions). Structural and morphological assessments included, e.g., XRPD (X-ray Powder Diffraction), HR-TEM (High-resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy) imaging, and BET (Brauner-Emmet-Teller) analysis. Unit-cell parameters were estimated via Rietveld refinement. The luminescence properties (emission, excitation spectra, and emission kinetics) were recorded depending on the varying Li+-ion concentration. The cytocompatibility of biomaterials was tested using hBMSCs (multipotent human bone-marrow mesenchymal stromal cells). In vitro assays evaluated biomaterials’ effects on morphology, metabolic activity (Alamar blue assay), and transcriptomic activity (RT-qPCR). The results indicate that co-doping with Li+, Eu3+, and Gd3+ ions introduces distortions while preserving the crystal structure of hydroxyapatite. Additionally, the cells maintained proper morphology and ultrastructure, internalizing biomaterials without significant cytotoxicity. The biomaterials also triggered the expression of key transcriptional factors. Si-HAp-LEG biomaterials, particularly LEG-222 and LEG-221, exhibit desired physicochemical and biological features, rendering them highly bioactive and promising for cell and tissue engineering applications.

Effects of reaction pH on regular nanorods and hierarchically structured β-Ga2O3 and their isopropanol sensing capabilities

Real-time detection of isopropanol is important for indoor air quality monitoring to improve human health. In this study, regular and hierarchical nanorod-based β−Ga2O3 morphological features were prepared using the microwave-assisted hydrothermal method following the variation of the reaction pH levels. A systematic study on their gas sensing performances was conducted to evaluate their potential as isopropanol gas sensing platforms. The sensor response and response times were directly controlled by morphology of β−Ga2O3. The randomly oriented β−Ga2O3 nanorods presented the highest response of 6.7 towards 90 ppm isopropanol while the β−Ga2O3 nanodandelions showed the fastest response/recovery times of 47/25 s. The observed variation in the gas sensing performances of the different β−Ga2O3 structures can be attributed to changes in morphological, textural, and compositional properties induced by the controlled reaction pH levels.

Rapid Synthesis of Hierarchical Tin Disulfide (SnS2) Nanostructures by a Microwave-Assisted Hydrothermal Method for High-Performance Supercapatteries

Rapid Synthesis of Hierarchical Tin Disulfide (SnS₂) Nanostructures by a Microwave-Assisted Hydrothermal Method for High-Performance Supercapatteries

The Effect of Composition on the Properties and Application of CuO-NiO Nanocomposites Synthesized Using a Saponin-Green/Microwave-Assisted Hydrothermal Method.

In this study, we explored the formation of CuO nanoparticles, NiO nanoflakes, and CuO-NiO nanocomposites using saponin extract and a microwave-assisted hydrothermal method. Five green synthetic samples were prepared using aqueous saponin extract and a microwave-assisted hydrothermal procedure at 200 °C for 30 min. The samples were pristine copper oxide (100C), 75% copper oxide-25% nickel oxide (75C25N), 50% copper oxide-50% nickel oxide (50C50N), 25% copper oxide-75% nickel oxide (25C75N), and pristine nickel oxide (100N). The samples were characterized using FT-IR, XRD, XPS, SEM, and TEM. The XRD results showed that copper oxide and nickel oxide formed monoclinic and cubic phases, respectively. The morphology of the samples was useful and consisted of copper oxide nanoparticles and nickel oxide nanoflakes. XPS confirmed the +2 oxidation state of both the copper and nickel ions. Moreover, the optical bandgaps of copper oxide and nickel oxide were determined to be in the range of 1.29-1.6 eV and 3.36-3.63 eV, respectively, and the magnetic property studies showed that the synthesized samples exhibited ferromagnetic and superparamagnetic properties. In addition, the catalytic activity was tested against para-nitrophenol, demonstrating that the catalyst efficiency gradually improved in the presence of CuO. The highest rate constants were obtained for the 100C and 75C25N samples, with catalytic efficiencies of 98.7% and 78.2%, respectively, after 45 min.

Facile synthesis of Ag2ZrO3 nanocrystals with highly enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity

Abstract This paper describes the synthesis of Ag2ZrO3 nanocrystals using coprecipitation and microwave-assisted hydrothermal methods. These nanocrystals were characterized by means of X-ray diffraction, micro-Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared absorption spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and UV–Visible spectroscopy, and their photocatalytic performance for methylene blue degradation under visible-light irradiation has been tested. The X-ray diffraction, micro-Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared absorption spectroscopy analyses indicate that the Ag2ZrO3 nanocrystals have good crystallinity and no secondary phases. The UV–Visible spectroscopy results showed a variation in the optical band gap values (2.71–2.97 eV) with increasing temperature, which indicates the possible presence of defects in the crystal lattice at a medium range. Field emission scanning electron microscopy images revealed that the nanocrystals have uneven spherical shapes and average particle size around 50–70 nm. The good photocatalytic efficiency can be attributed to defects in the silver zirconate structure capable of forming the active adsorption sites. Finally, we discuss a photocatalytic mechanism to understand the photocatalytic process in cationic dye (methylene blue) degradation in aqueous solution.

Microwave-assisted hydrothermal synthesis of NiO/Co3O4 nanosheets decorated on three-dimensional porous graphene for supercapacitors

Electrode material is the key part of capacitor, which seriously affects the electrochemical performance of supercapacitor. NiO/Co3O4 nanosheets decorated on three-dimensional porous graphene (NiO/Co3O4/3DGN) have been prepared though a microwave-assisted hydrothermal method. It is found that NiO can affect the crystallinity and morphology of Co3O4 in the composites. The composites possess excellent electrochemical performance with the special capacity of 1303.9 F g−1 (at 1 A g−1). The assembled NiO/Co3O4/3DGN//AC asymmetric supercapacitor device achieved an energy density of 18.8 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 750.4 W kg−1 and maintained 92.7% of the initial capacitance after 10,000 cycles. The excellent capacitance and rate capability of the composites can be attributed to its unique structural features. The large surface area and the rich porosity provide more activate sites and facilitate the fast diffusion of electrolyte during the charge/discharge process. The direct contact between NiO/Co3O4 nanosheets and 3DGN ensures effective charge transport.

Influence of TiO2 coverage on activity and stability of Pd-TiO2/MWCNT-supported catalysts used in direct formic acid fuel cells

Pd and TiO2 supported on functionalized multiwall carbon nanotubes (f-MWCNTs) catalysts were investigated in formic acid electrooxidation reaction in direct formic acid fuel cell. TiO2 (5–60 wt.% loading) on f-MWCNTs was deposited using microwave-assisted hydrothermal method. 20 wt.% of Pd was deposited on TiO2/f-MWCNTs by reduction of palladium (II) chloride salt with sodium borohydride. Catalysts’ structure and composition were characterized by XRD, STEM, HR-TEM, TGA, XPS/XAES (Pd, Ti, O spectra features, density of valence states, Auger parameters). Average crystallite size of Pd and TiO2 from XRD (3–4 nm) agrees with those by HR-TEM (3–5 nm). Low TiO2 coverages (below 32wt.%) show smaller crystallites due to increased surface hydrophilicity, higher amount of TiO2 oxygen vacancies with attached Pd nanoparticles, increased density of valence states of strong Pd–TiO2 interface. In contrary, the higher coverages indicate lower amount of Pd–O–Ti, Ti–O–C, Pd–O–C interfaces, with electron charge transfer from TiO2 to f-MWCNTs, and to Pd. Catalysts activity (40–106 mWmgPd−1) and stability (5–240 h) are enhanced at low TiO2 coverages (4–8 wt.%) due to a strong Pd-TiO2 interface on oxygen vacancies, improved electron transport and a high active surface area. Oscillatory self-cleaning mechanism of Pd is due to oxidation by -OH groups (TiO2, f-MWCNTs), and hydrogen and CO spillover.

CaFe2O4/Ag/ZnO z-scheme heterojunction material for photocatalytic decomposition of ciprofloxacin

The Z-type heterojunction CaFe2O4/Ag/ZnO composite photocatalyst was successfully synthesized by the microwave-assisted hydrothermal methods. The photocatalytic activity of the CaFe2O4/Ag/ZnO was evaluated by the degradation of ciprofloxacin (CIP). The characterization results indicated that Ag doping can decrease the band gap (Eg) of ZnO and enhance its visible light absorption capacity. Ag/ZnO forms a Z-type heterojunction with CaFe2O4, which can significantly promote effective photogenerated carrier separation and enhance the visible light catalytic activity of the CaFe2O4/Ag/ZnO composite catalyst. It was observed that the degradation effect of the CaFe2O4/Ag/ZnO on CIP was significantly better than pure ZnO and CaFe2O4.

Li1.3Al0.3Ti1.7(PO4)3 (LATP) solid electrolytes synthesized by microwave-assisted hydrothermal reactions for Li all-solid-state battery applications

Sub-micron LATP solid electrolytes have been prepared via a facile microwave-assisted hydrothermal method. The structure and ionic conductivity of LATP has been investigated as a function of hydrothermal synthesis temperature by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermal analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The hydrothermal synthesis temperature is pivotal in controlling the uniformity of the LATP particle size distribution and the surface morphology of the electrolyte. Optimal LATP pellets prepared from powder synthesized at 180 °C exhibit an ionic conductivity of 1.4 × 10−4 S cm−1 at 298 K, while variable temperature measurements yielded activation energy of 0.253 eV for Li diffusion. These favorable values could reflect the uniform particle size distribution, high crystallinity and a relative density as high as 97 %. The optimum electrolyte material was applied in an NCM523/LATP/Graphite pouch cell, which demonstrated a stable capacity (≥ 92.5 % at a Coulombic efficiency of ∼100 %) for >400 cycles. The results indicate that LATP synthesized by microwave-assisted hydrothermal methods performs very effectively as a solid electrolyte and is a credible candidate for all-solid-state LIBs.

INFLUENCE OF TIME AND TEMPERATURE IN THE MICROWAVE-ASSISTED HYDROTHERMAL TREATMENT OF MAGNETITE NANOPARTICLES

Magnetite is an iron oxide that has been extensively investigated for its utilization in the development of drug delivery nanocarriers. Generally, magnetite nanoparticles are obtained through the chemical route of co-precipitation. However, since the outcome properties of the resulted nanoparticles are limited in terms of possibility to control the size and size distribution and to ensure the reproducibility of the synthesis process, unconventional synthesis routes are constantly investigated. Specifically, the microwave-assisted hydrothermal method represents an alternative with tremendous potential owing to the possibility of varying the treatment parameters, i.e., pressure, temperature, time. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the influence of time and temperature upon the structural and physico-chemical properties of magnetite nanoparticles.

Tuning of physicochemical and electronic characteristics of Cu-doped NiCo2O4 ternary inverse spinel oxides for effective electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction

The paper reports the development of Cu-doped NiCo2O4 ternary inverse spinel oxides through microwave-assisted hydrothermal method as effective catalysts for alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The effective and controlled doping of Cu to NiCo2O4 lattice by the partial replacement of Ni2+/Ni3+ with Cu+/Cu2+ results in the fine-tuning of structural, morphological, and electronic characteristics, favourable for electrocatalytic HER. The study effectively correlates the influence of variation in the percentages of Cu-doping on the material properties and thereby the electrocatalytic characteristics. The experimental results indicate that Cu0.10Ni0.90Co2O4 electrode having optimum Cu-doping (10%) as the best electrocatalyst with the lowest onset potential for hydrogen evolution (242.7 mV) and reduced overpotential (72.5 mV) values by following a Volmer – Heyrovsky mechanism during HER. The improvement in HER performance after Cu-doping is due to the generation of greater number of active sites and reduction in electronic band gap. The present work advantageously utilises the scope of microwave-assisted transition metal doping strategy to fine tune the physicochemical and electronic characteristics, favourable for electrocatalytic HER, and this may pave a new way for tuning the electrochemical properties of metal oxides for various applications.

Enhancing aquaculture management: Utilizing cu-doped ZnO/graphene nanocomposite for effective reduction of antibiotics and antibiotic-resistant Bacteria in shrimp culturing ponds

Shrimp culturing ponds, and enclosed breeding environments, contribute to the dissemination of antibiotics and antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARBs) in aquatic ecosystems. This study focuses on the synthesis of a ternary nanocomposite photocatalyst, comprising Cu-doped ZnO and reduced graphene oxide (GP), using a one-step microwave-assisted hydrothermal method. The photocatalyst was employed to effectively eliminate antibiotics and inactive ARBs from aquaculture water. The structure, morphologies, and optical properties of the synthesized composites were investigated. Tetracycline (TET) and florfenicol (FLO) were the most frequently detected antibiotics in shrimp pond water, followed by sulfamethoxazole and tiamulin. Photo-degradation efficiency of TET and FLO using composite significantly improved under both UV and simulated solar irradiation. After 60 and 180 min of irradiation, the removal percentages for TET were 87.5% and 80.3%, while for FLO they were 89.5% and 92.1% respectively. The Cu-ZnO/GP composite demonstrates potent antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive (E. faecalis V583) and Gram-negative (E. coli K12 MG1655) antibiotic-resistant strains under light exposure. Its photocatalytic properties augment reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, thereby enhancing bacterial inhibition. After 24 h of light exposure, E. coli growth was inhibited by 78%, while E. faecium growth was suppressed by 92%. The composite achieved the highest inactivation levels for E. coli (Ln-3.8) and E. faecalis (Ln-2.8) after 15 min of light exposure. The efficacy of Cu-ZnO/GP composite treatments in bacterial inactivation was notable in both ultrapure water (UPW) and real wastewater (RWW) matrices, achieving significant inactivation levels after a 1-h treatment. These findings underscore the potential of Cu-ZnO/GP composites to improve aquaculture management practices, thereby mitigating antibiotic proliferation in aquaculture waters and the surrounding environment.