Enhanced Diclofenac Photomineralization under Solar Light Using Ce1−xZnxO2−x Solid Solution Catalysts: Synergistic Effect of Photoexcited Electrons and Oxygen Vacancies

Abstract

The present work describes the synthesis, characterization, and photomineralization activity of synthesized Ce1−xZnxO2−x solid solution catalysts allowing the degradation of diclofenac as a model of anti-inflammatory medicines in water. The oxygen-deficient photocatalyst Ce1−xZnxO2−x (CeZnx), produced by mixing ZnO and CeO2, is characterized for its crystallographic parameters, specific surface area, and morphology. Photomineralization activity determination using TOC analysis shows efficient diclofenac photo-oxidation under sunlight. Moreover, the results indicate that the coexistence of Zn2+ and Ce4+ and the oxygen vacancies rate in CeZnx solid solution are key factors for strong drug mineralization. Ultimately, CeZn0.1, which is one of the photocatalysts synthesized in the present work, represents a cheap and efficient reagent for organic matter photomineralization in wastewater.