Remediation of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug from aqueous solutions using cobalt ferrite-photocatalytic membranes

Abstract

CoFe2O4-PES photocatalytic membranes were assessed for Naproxen degradation in water. The degradation obeyed first-order reaction kinetics (Kapp: 1.25 × 10−3 min−1 - 3.90 × 10−3 min−1). Surface roughness altered the collision dynamics of reactive species. It enhanced the chances of successful collision between Naproxen and reactive radicals. Membrane hydrophilicity improved the generation of reactive radicals by minimizing the blockage of active sites. Intermediates detected by Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry showed that Naproxen degraded via demethylation, hydroxylation, and ring-opening reactions. Leaching studies investigated the stability of the prepared membranes. CoFe2O4-PES membranes can be used in advanced oxidation technologies for water treatment.