Open Access
Effect of gold nanoparticles on SiO2@g-C3N4 catalyst for the degradation of amoxicillin
(Elsevier, 2024-11-12) Santamaría Arana, Leticia; Korili, Sophia A.; Gil Bravo, Antonio; López de Luzuriaga Fernández, José Manuel; Monge Oroz, Miguel; Institute for Advanced Materials and Mathematics - INAMAT2; Universidad Pública de Navarra / Nafarroako Unibertsitate Publikoa
Gold nanoparticles in different proportions (0.5 and 1 %) have been grafted at the surface of a SiO2@g-C3N4 nanotube-based composite (SiO2 nanotubes obtained from halloysite clay) and also g-C3N4 (for comparison purposes) to test their degradation capacity over the antibiotic amoxicillin proving that the introduction of these nanoparticles on the catalyst modifies the degradation mechanism followed by the pollutant. Results obtained show that the introduction of the appropriate percentage of gold NPs in the composite improves amoxicillin degradation efficiency and establish a direct correlation between the presence of gold NPs and the production of ∙O2.
Open Access
Sintered glass filter as a membrane impregnated with g-C3N4 and AuAg/g-C3N4 to degrade rhodamine B with application in decentralized areas
(Elsevier, 2024-10-19) Sabogal-Paz, Lyda Patricia; Souza Freitas, Bárbara Luíza; Hoffmann, Maria Teresa; Royo-Pareja, David; López de Luzuriaga Fernández, José Manuel; Monge Oroz, Miguel; Santamaría Arana, Leticia; Institute for Advanced Materials and Mathematics - INAMAT2; Ciencias; Zientziak
This work shows a novel approach utilizing graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) deposited on a sintered glass filter as a membrane enhanced with gold-silver nanoparticles for the removal of emerging pollutants. g-C3N4 was synthesized directly onto the membrane surface with a simple vapor deposition method. Membranes with two different porosities, g-C3N4 and the noble-metal nanoparticles were put to the test by exploring their photocatalytic capacity to degrade rhodamine B dye (RhB). FT-IR, PL, SEM, EDX and DRS characterization techniques were performed to analyse the catalysts. RhB degradation was tested in static (i.e. petri dish) and dynamic conditions (i.e. photocatalytic membrane setup). Filtered volumes, turbidity effect and stability were tested in dynamic conditions for the membrane that had the greatest potential for full-scale use. The results confirm the efficient RhB degradation capacity of the catalysts, highlighting the potential of this proposed setup; however, the cost of technology for decentralized areas is still an impediment. These findings not only contribute to advancing the understanding of pollutant removal technologies, but also, offer practical insights into the future deployment of such systems on a larger scale.
Open Access
ZnAl-MMO, synthesized with Al extracted from saline slags, combined with carbon nitride and gold nanoparticles for the catalytic photodegradation of antibiotic norfloxacin
(Elsevier, 2025-12-25) Santamaría Arana, Leticia; Korili, Sophia A.; Gil Bravo, Antonio; López de Luzuriaga Fernández, José Manuel; Monge Oroz, Miguel; Ciencias; Zientziak; Institute for Advanced Materials and Mathematics - INAMAT2; Universidad Pública de Navarra / Nafarroako Unibertsitate Publikoa
Mixed metal oxides (MMO) formed from Zinc-Aluminum Layered Double Hydroxides (LDH), synthesized with Al extracted from saline slags, were combined with carbon nitride with a simple vapor deposition method, to form 2D/2D heterostructured photocatalysts. Two calcination temperatures were tested for the synthesis of MMO (520 and 850 ºC) and their performance was tested for the degradation of the antibiotic norfloxacin under visible light. In addition, these catalysts were impregnated with gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) in two metal weight percentages (0.5 and 1 wt%) to evaluate if there was an improvement in the composites¿ catalytic performances. Samples were characterized by PXRD, TEM, XPS, TGA, FTIR, DRS and FL. Results obtained show that the introduction of Au NPs in the composite improves the degradation efficiency of norfloxacin and that, when the catalyst is capable of adsorbing the contaminant, a lower calcination temperature outperforms the benefits of the spinel presence.
Open Access
Synthesis of high-surface-area C3N4 deposited on halloysite-derived silica nanotubes: enhanced visible light degradation of norfloxacin
(Elsevier, 2024) Santamaría Arana, Leticia; Korili, Sophia A.; Gil Bravo, Antonio; López de Luzuriaga Fernández, José Manuel; Monge Oroz, Miguel; Ciencias; Zientziak; Institute for Advanced Materials and Mathematics - INAMAT2
Silica nanotubes, obtained from halloysite clay nanotubes that were calcined and acid-activated, were used as support for graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) via a simple deposition method. They were chosen in order to avoid any agglomeration issues, as there was an increase of the specific surface area with respect to pristine halloysite. The composite was tested for the degradation of a persistent emerging pollutant in water, namely, antibiotic norfloxacin. Experiments were performed in darkness (until adsorption-desorption equilibrium was attained) and, subsequently under visible light. Comparison of the performance between the photocatalysts shows that the composite was 49% faster than g-C3N4. The introduction of persulfate in the lumen of the nanotubes via vacuum negative-pressure suction and injection was also tested for the generation of .OH radicals that fasten the degradation rate, obtaining a further 47% increase in the degradation rate of norfloxacin thanks to the release of this anion during the photodegradation process. The degradation mechanism of SiO2/g-C3N4 sample was studied with trapping experiments by the use of scavengers that were introduced to quench the photodegradation: triethanolamine for photoexcited holes (h+), tert-butanol for hydroxyl radicals (.OH) and a N2 atmosphere for superoxide radicals (.O2.).

Santamaría Arana, Leticia

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