Comparison of ibuprofen photodegradation by persulfate-assisted and magnetic field-assisted photocatalysis processes

In the present study, two approaches combining photocatalysis in the presence of TiO2 nanosheets with ZnFe2O4/(P,S)-doped g-C3N4 heterocomposite with magnetic field and persulfate activation were investigated. Combining TiO₂ with layered structures, elemental-doped carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄), and zinc...

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Bibliographic Details
Authors: Çako, Elvana, Gómez Polo, Cristina, Kowalkińska, Marta, Pisarek, Marcin, Zielinska-Jurek, Anna
Format: article
Status:Versión aceptada para publicación
Publication Date:2026
Country:España
Institution:Universidad Pública de Navarra
Repository:Academica-e. Repositorio Institucional de la Universidad Pública de Navarra
OAI Identifier:oai:dnet:academicae__::0f2b8f027348c358ad1d3446c668ee98
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cep.2026.110740
https://hdl.handle.net/2454/56934
Access Level:Embargoed access
Keyword:Magnetic photocatalyst
Magnetic field effect
Persulfate-assisted photocatalysis
Description
Summary:In the present study, two approaches combining photocatalysis in the presence of TiO2 nanosheets with ZnFe2O4/(P,S)-doped g-C3N4 heterocomposite with magnetic field and persulfate activation were investigated. Combining TiO₂ with layered structures, elemental-doped carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄), and zinc ferrite (ZnFe₂O₄) improved light absorption, charge separation, and magnetic recovery properties. Furthermore, coupling photocatalysis with persulfate activation enhanced pollutant degradation efficiency through the formation of long-lived reactive species. An additional innovative approach involved applying an external magnetic field to mainly inhibit charge carriers recombination. Both processes were efficient in the removal of ibuprofen, a drug frequently detected in aqueous systems. Sulfate radicals (SO4•−), hydroxyl radicals (HO•) and superoxide radicals (O2•−) were responsible for ibuprofen transformation and degradation. The improved photocatalytic activity shows potential for effective degradation of persistent pharmaceutical compounds in water, while the use of persulfates and magnetic field opens new possibilities for more advanced water treatment processes.