Boosting photocatalytic degradation of estrone hormone by silica-supported g-C3N4/WO3 using response surface methodology coupled with Box-Behnken design

Abstract

In this article, we report on the preparation and characterization of silica-supported g-C3N4/WO3 nanocomposite with boosted photocatalytic performance towards the degradation of estrone hormone by using response surface methodology (RSM) coupled with the Box-Behnken model to determine the synergistic effects of three independent experimental parameters (hormone concentration, solution pH, and photocatalyst dosage). The RSM results were consistent with the prediction model (R-2 > 0.958 and 0.934 for UV and visible light irradiation, respectively). The optimized experimental test conditions were evaluated as follows: 3000 mu g of photocatalyst dosage, 300 mu g/L of hormone concentration, and pH 7. The hormone photodegradation efficiencies under these experimental parameters were 100% and 96% after 3 h of UV and visible light irradiation, respectively. Additionally, degradation kinetics (first-order, second-order, and intraparticle diffusion model), adsorption isotherms (Freundlich and Langmuir), and antibacterial activity of the prepared sample were also examined. Radical scavenging tests were performed to elucidate the photodegradation mechanism and the existence of reactive oxygen species. The recyclability test showed that the efficiency remained above 75% after seven consecutive cycles. The results indicate that the RSM based on the Box-Behnken model is an excellent approach for determining optimized experimental parameters for specific degradation of estrogenic hormones.