Elimination of Levofloxacin Antibiotic from Aqueous Solutions over Bismuth Silicate and Bi۲MoO۶ Nanophotocatalysts Designed via Sono-Solvothermal Methods

In the present study, bismuth silicate (Bi۲SiO۵) and bismuth molybdenum oxide (Bi۲MoO۶) nanophotocatalysts have been prepared by one-pot sono-solvohermal synthesis for the elimination of lecofloxacin (LVO). Crystallographic and morphological analyses are used to demonstrate the true synthesis of nanophotocatalysts and the discussion of results gained. As-synthesized Bi۲MoO۶ showed higher remediation potential towards LVO pollutant. Bi۲MoO۶ could remediate ۳۰ mg/L LVO up to ۷۹% (corresponding concentration: ۲۶.۱ mg/L) during ۱۵۰ min (۶۰ min dark + ۹۰ min light). But, the remediation capability of Bi۲SiO۵over ۳۰ mg/L LVO was calculated to be ۱۴% (corresponding concentration: ۶.۲ mg/L) at the same condition. As a result, he remediation potential of Bi۲MoO۶ nanophotocatalyst is ۵.۶۷ times of Bi۲SiO۵ owing to its suitable band gap, effective light harvesting and probably proper surface area.

Keywords:

Levofloxacin , Antibiotic Poluutants , Nanophotocatalyst , Bismuth Silicate , Bi۲MoO۶ , Water Treatment.