ZnAl-MMO, synthesized with Al extracted from saline slags, combined with carbon nitride and gold nanoparticles for the catalytic photodegradation of antibiotic norfloxacin

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.