Superior photocatalytic degradation of pharmaceuticals and antimicrobial Features of iron-doped zinc oxide sub-microparticles synthesized via laser-assisted chemical bath technique

Samer H. Zyoud; Che Azurahanim Che Abdullah; Akram Ashames; Nageeb Hassan; Ibrahim S. Yahia; Ahed H. Zyoud; Heba Y. Zahran; Naser Qamhieh; Ghaseb N. Makhadmeh; Tariq AlZoubi

Results in Engineering (Dec 2024)

Superior photocatalytic degradation of pharmaceuticals and antimicrobial Features of iron-doped zinc oxide sub-microparticles synthesized via laser-assisted chemical bath technique

Samer H. Zyoud,
Che Azurahanim Che Abdullah,
Akram Ashames,
Nageeb Hassan,
Ibrahim S. Yahia,
Ahed H. Zyoud,
Heba Y. Zahran,
Naser Qamhieh,
Ghaseb N. Makhadmeh,
Tariq AlZoubi

Affiliations

Samer H. Zyoud: Department of Mathematics and Sciences, Ajman University, Ajman, P.O. Box 346, United Arab Emirates; Center of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman, P.O. Box 346, United Arab Emirates; School of Physics, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Penang, 11800, Malaysia; Corresponding author.
Che Azurahanim Che Abdullah: Nanomaterial Synthesis and Characterization Laboratory, Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, 43400, Selangor, Malaysia; Biophysics Laboratory, Faculty of Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
Akram Ashames: Center of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman, P.O. Box 346, United Arab Emirates; Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Ajman University, P.O. Box 346, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
Nageeb Hassan: Center of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman, P.O. Box 346, United Arab Emirates; Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Ajman University, P.O. Box 346, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
Ibrahim S. Yahia: Center of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman, P.O. Box 346, United Arab Emirates; Laboratory of Nano-Smart Materials for Science and Technology (LNSMST), Research Center for Advanced Materials Science (RCAMS), King Khalid University, Abha, 61413, P.O. Box 9004, Saudi Arabia; Research Center for Advanced Materials Science (RCAMS), King Khalid University, Abha, 61413, P.O. Box 9004, Saudi Arabia; Nanoscience Laboratory for Environmental and Biomedical Applications (NLEBA), Metallurgical Lab.1., Department of Physics, Faculty of Education, Ain Shams University, Roxy, Cairo, 11757, Egypt
Ahed H. Zyoud: Department of Chemistry, SSERL, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
Heba Y. Zahran: Laboratory of Nano-Smart Materials for Science and Technology (LNSMST), Research Center for Advanced Materials Science (RCAMS), King Khalid University, Abha, 61413, P.O. Box 9004, Saudi Arabia; Research Center for Advanced Materials Science (RCAMS), King Khalid University, Abha, 61413, P.O. Box 9004, Saudi Arabia; Nanoscience Laboratory for Environmental and Biomedical Applications (NLEBA), Metallurgical Lab.1., Department of Physics, Faculty of Education, Ain Shams University, Roxy, Cairo, 11757, Egypt
Naser Qamhieh: Department of Physics, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates
Ghaseb N. Makhadmeh: General Education Department, Skyline University College, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Tariq AlZoubi: College of Engineering and Technology, American University of the Middle East, Egaila, 54200, Kuwait

Journal volume & issue: Vol. 24
p. 102875

Abstract

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Addressing the dual challenges of antimicrobial resistance and pharmaceutical contamination in wastewater is crucial for global health and environmental preservation. Predictions estimate up to 10 million annual deaths by 2050 due to antimicrobial resistance, underscoring the urgent need for innovative solutions. This study explores the potential of zinc oxide Sub-Microparticles (ZnO SMPs) doped with iron (Fe) to enhance the photocatalytic degradation of pharmaceutical compounds in water and improve antimicrobial efficacy. A green laser-assisted chemical bath synthesis method created ZnO SMPs with varying Fe dopant concentrations (1 %, 1.5 %, and 3 %). The synthesized Sub-Microparticles underwent rigorous structural analysis using X-ray diffractometry, SEM, EDX, FTIR, and UV–visible spectrophotometry techniques. Their photocatalytic performance was evaluated in the degradation of paracetamol under blue laser light, and their antimicrobial properties were assessed following CLSI guidelines. Structural analyses confirmed the hexagonal wurtzite structure of ZnO SMPs, with noticeable changes due to Fe doping, including a transition from sub-microrods to sub-microsheets and a redshift in the optical band gap. Photocatalytic tests revealed a significant enhancement in paracetamol degradation efficiency, increasing from 53.41 % with pure ZnO to 98.99 % with 3 % Fe-doped ZnO in 50 min. Antimicrobial assays demonstrated an increased inhibitory effect against pathogens, with Fe-doped ZnO outperforming control discs. This study substantiates the potential of Fe-doped ZnO SMPs in wastewater treatment and antimicrobial applications, showcasing significant improvements in photocatalytic degradation of pharmaceutical compounds and antimicrobial efficacy. The findings underscore the importance of continuing research in this domain for environmental and public health benefits.

Published in Results in Engineering

ISSN: 2590-1230 (Online)
Publisher: Elsevier
Country of publisher: Netherlands
LCC subjects: Technology
Website: https://www.journals.elsevier.com/results-in-engineering

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