Enhanced photocatalytic degradation of ciprofloxacin by SiNWs@PANI composites

Abstract

The advanced in situ oxidation polymerization technique was employed to synthesize the SiNWs@PANI composite material, which exhibited a unique hybrid structure displaying remarkable properties. The optimized polyaniline content of 5% significantly enhanced the photocatalytic performance of SiNWs@PANI, surpassing pure SiNWs in degradation efficiency. A comprehensive study explored the photocatalytic mechanisms of SiNWs@PANI, focusing on environmental factors such as catalyst composite content, pollutant nature, and solution pH. The material exhibited exceptional activity in the photocatalytic degradation of ciprofloxacin, achieving a remarkable degradation efficiency of up to 91.54% at a concentration of 10 mg L⁻¹. Our findings revealed a significant dependency of degradation efficiency on solution pH, with alkaline conditions favoring enhanced catalytic activity. A rigorous derivation experiment identified the final degradation product, corroborating the effectiveness of SiNWs@PANI in ciprofloxacin degradation and providing insights into the underlying photocatalytic processes. This work offers a novel perspective and methodology for developing highly efficient and environmentally friendly photocatalytic materials, with promising implications for water treatment and environmental remediation applications.