Green synthesis of titanium and zinc oxide nanoparticles for simultaneous photocatalytic removal of estrogens in wastewater

Abstract

This study reports on the green synthesis of titanium and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) using lemon juice and peel extract, zinc acetate, ethylene glycol, and titanium IV isopropoxide as precursors. The prepared TiO2 and ZnO-NPs were characterized via X-ray Diffraction analysis, UV-vis spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscopy, and EDAX. The as-prepared samples, TiO2 and ZnO-NPs, were further subjected for the photocatalytic degradation of estrogenic hormones (Estrone, Estradiol, Ethinylestradiol, and Estriol) under UV light irradiation at 365 nm, which resulted in promising photocatalytic activity. All four hormones were significantly degraded owing to the photocatalytic activity combined with a slight contribution (4-11 %) from the hormonal adsorption onto the surface of the photocatalysts. Overall hormonal degradation rates in the range of 84-93 % and approximately 99 % were achieved in 60 minutes under UV light irradiation by ZnO and TiO2, respectively. © 2021 NANOCON Conference Proceedings - International Conference on Nanomaterials. All rights reserved.