Ciprofloxacin degradation via advanced oxidation using La/Cu co-doped ZnO photocatalysts

Jerônimo A.G.; Lins A.; Barbosa R.; Neves L.; Albuquerque W.; Trigueiro P.; França R.; Huaman F.A.; Araujo F.P.; Peña-Garcia R.R. · Materials Research Bulletin (2026) · DOI: 10.1016/j.materresbull.2025.113704

Resumen

This study investigates the structural, morphological, and optical properties of Zn1-x-yLaxCuyO compound and their enhanced photocatalytic performance in the degradation of Ciprofloxacin under UV irradiation. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the wurtzite phase of ZnO, while higher copper contents led to the appearance of a CuO secondary phase. Raman spectra revealed peaks at ∼278 cm−¹ (Ag) and ∼323, ∼610 cm−¹ (Bg), confirming CuO formation in mapped contrast regions. Photoluminescence analysis revealed defect states, with zinc vacancies increasing from 6.5 % to 48.4 % and oxygen vacancies also becoming more prominent upon co-doping with La and Cu. The Zn1-x-yLaxCuyO samples were tested for their effectiveness in degrading Ciprofloxacin (CIP) in water. The Zn0.92La0.03Cu0.05O compound reached ∼96 % Ciprofloxacin removal within 150 min under UV irradiation, and maintained 93 % efficiency after three reuse cycles, without significant changes in its ZnO crystal structure. Scavenger assays confirmed superoxide radicals as the dominant active species. Overall, the results demonstrate the potential of La and Cu co-doped ZnO as an efficient and reusable photocatalyst for ciprofloxacin degradation.

Instituciones: Universidad Católica San Pablo