Green synthesis of stable Fe, Cu oxide nanocomposites by loquat leaf extract for removal of Norfloxacin and Ciprofloxacin

Mass production of nanomaterials to remove pollutants from water still faces many challenges, mainly due to the complexity of the synthesis methods involved and the use of dangerous reagents. The green method of preparation of nanomaterials from plants can effectively solve these problems. Fe,Cu oxide nanocomposites (Fe-Cu-NCs) were synthesized by a green and single-step method using loquat leaf extracts, and were used as an adsorbent for removal of Norfloxacin (NOR) and Ciprofloxacin (CIP) from aqueous solution. The synthesized adsorbent showed excellent adsorption properties for NOR and CIP. The experimental equilibrium data fitted the Redlich-Peterson and Koble-Corrigan models well and the maximum adsorption capacities of Fe-Cu-NCs calculated by the Langmuir model for NOR and CIP were 1.182 mmol/g and 1.103 mmol/g, respectively, at 293 K. Additionally, the morphologies and properties of Fe-Cu-NCs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy X-ray energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis and the adsorption mechanism of NOR and CIP onto Fe-Cu-NCs was discussed. Thermodynamic parameters revealed that the adsorption process was spontaneous and endothermic. This study indicated that Fe-Cu-NCs are a potential adsorbent and provide a simple and convenient strategy for the purification of antibiotics-laden wastewater.