Perovskite-type strontium ferrite-based catalyst: Characterization and antibiotic degradation approach

Ciprofloxacin (CIP) is a commonly found pharmaceutical in industrial and residential wastewater. This study aimed to synthesize and characterize a catalyst based on strontium ferrite of the perovskite-type (SrFeO3) to reduce CIP. The sol-gel method was employed to synthesize SrFeO3, resulting in a material with dense characteristics and uniform distribution of metallic species on the surface. Various approaches to pollutant removal were examined, including catalysis in the dark (PerCIP1), photocatalysis (PerCIP2), and a combination of darkness and light (PerCIP3). The optimized conditions for CIP treatment were a pH of 6, a pollutant concentration of 10 ppm, and a reaction time of 6 hours. Under these conditions, PerCIP1, PerCIP2, and PerCIP3 achieved removal efficiencies of 53%, 80%, and 75%, respectively. Analysis of the CIP degradation mechanism suggested a sequence involving an adsorption step, followed by the generation of reactive species and, ultimately, CIP oxidation. Furthermore, the catalyst exhibited excellent stability, maintaining its catalytic activity even after four reuse cycles without requiring a regeneration step. Phytotoxicity experiments indicated a reduced toxicity in the treated solution compared to the initial contaminant solution. In conclusion, the synthesized catalyst demonstrated promising characteristics for the aqueous treatment of CIP.