Synthesis, size characterization and catalytic activities of transition metal oxide nanoparticles towards degradation of norfloxacin, oxytetracycline and lincomycin drugs based on H2O2 in aqueous medium

Metal oxide nanoparticles CuO, NiO and Fe2O3 are synthesized and size characterized using HRTEM, FESEM and XRD measurements. Ecofriendly biopolymers such as polyethylene glycol (PEG) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and synthetic polymer poly N-vinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) are used as stabilizing agents. The as synthesized metal oxide nanoparticles were used as catalysts in the degradation of drugs norfloxacin (NF), oxytetracycline (OTC) and lincomycin (LCM) using H2O2 as an oxidant. Using time dependent UV spectra, the progress of the reactions are monitored. Pseudo-first order conditions are maintained and the rate coefficient values are determined. The trend in the catalytic activity of metal oxide nanoparticles were found to be CuO > NiO > Fe2O3. Among the stabilizers used PEG > CMC > PVP trend for the catalytic activity of the nanoparticles was found. The rate coefficient values for the three drugs have been found to be NF > OTC > LCM. The metal oxide nanoparticles stabilized with biopolymers were found to be catalytically efficient compared to the synthetic polymer.