Wei, et al (2024) Fabrication of porous biocharBiochar is a carbon-rich material created from biomass decomposition in low-oxygen conditions. It has important applications in environmental remediation, soil improvement, agriculture, carbon sequestration, energy storage, and sustainable materials, promoting efficiency and reducing waste in various contexts while addressing climate change challenges. More supported Bi₂MoO₆ photocatalyst for efficient degradation of ciprofloxacin in seawater under visible light irradiation: Mechanistic investigation and intermediates analysis. Separation and Purification Technology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2024.127860

The mariculture industry faces significant environmental challenges due to antibiotic contamination. A recent study, published in Separation and Purification Technology, explores a novel solution: a composite photocatalyst made from Bi2MoO6 and biochar derived from banana peels. This innovative material shows promise in effectively degrading ciprofloxacin (CIP) in seawater under visible light.

The research team synthesized the BPB/Bi2MoO6 composite using a simple hydrothermal method. This process not only utilizes waste materials like banana peels but also creates a highly porous biochar that enhances the photocatalytic properties of Bi2MoO6. Characterization of the composite revealed excellent composition, morphology, and photoelectrochemical properties.

In testing, the BPB/Bi2MoO6 composite achieved a remarkable 98.7% degradation efficiency of CIP in pure water and 93.6% in artificial seawater within 90 minutes. This efficiency was 12.2 times greater than pure Bi2MoO6. The study attributed this high performance to the composite’s enhanced adsorption capacity, effective visible light response, and efficient separation of photoinduced electron-hole pairs.

Further investigation into the photocatalytic mechanism showed that •OH and h+ radicals played significant roles in the degradation process. The research also confirmed the stability and recyclability of the photocatalyst over multiple cycles. Advanced techniques like density functional theory (DFT) calculations, radical trapping experiments, and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) were employed to understand the degradation pathways and mechanisms.

This study provides valuable insights into the use of biochar in photocatalysis and offers a sustainable, cost-effective approach to mitigating antibiotic pollution in marine environments. The findings pave the way for developing environmentally friendly photocatalysts with potential applications in various water treatment scenarios.