Photocatalytic degradation of Doxycycline in aqueous solution using Fe2O3 andFe2O3-Bi2WO6 catalysts

Photocatalytic degradation of Doxycycline in heterogeneous media constituted by nanoparticles of Fe 2 O 3 and Fe 2 O 3 -Bi 2 WO 6 was studied. The Bi 2 WO 6 was prepared by hydrothermal method, and the Fe 2 O 3 -Bi 2 WO 6 was obtained by mechanical mixing of Bi 2 WO 6 to an amount of Fe 2 O 3 and their photocatalytic activity to degrade doxycycline (Dox) under UV irradiation supported by H 2 O 2 were studied. The H 2 O 2 reacts with photogenerated electrons leading to the production of hydroxyl radicals (OH ● ). The Fe 2 O 3 acts like a Fenton reagent, accelerating the production of OH ● . In the present study Bi 2 WO 6 -Fe 2 O 3 / H 2 O 2 system demonstrate much higher photocatalytic efficiency to degrade Dox than pure Bi 2 WO 6 .