ZIF-8 based magnetic MOF nanocomposite: A dual functional material for amoxicillin degradation and bacteria elimination

Abstract

In this experimental work, a magnetic MOF nanocomposite was developed named Fe3O4/ZIF-8 utilizing an ultrasonication-assisted approach. The primary objective was to investigate its ability as a visible light driven noble catalyst for the photocatalytic degradation of antibiotic amoxicillin (AMX) in aqueous environment, along with its antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains. Comprehensive characterizing methods, including P-XRD, FTIR, UV-DRS, SEM, XPS and Nyquist analysis, were used to validate the successful manufacturing of the material. Photocatalytic degradation experiment revealed that the nanocomposite achieved degradation efficiency of 80.2 % at pH 6, utilizing with a catalyst dosage of 0.04 g and AMX concentration of 20 ppm, over 120 min. During this process, super oxide (O2-.) and photogenerated holes (h+) were identified as the major scavengers involved in the photocatalytic degradation pathway. The Fe3O4/ZIF-8 nanocomposite showed outstanding recyclability, maintaining minimal efficiency loss over four consecutive cycles and followed Z-scheme mechanistic pathway. Additionally, the Fe3O4/ZIF-8 nanocomposite showed significantly enhanced antibacterial action against Escherichia coli (Gram-negative) and Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive) over pristine ZIF-8 and Fe3O4. These multifunctional properties of the nanocomposite hold its potential for dual applications in water remediation and antibacterial treatments.