Cobalt-modified HMS mesoporous sieves-green highly active and efficient catalysts for removal of metronidazole by using NaBH4
摘要
A new series of cobalt-modified hexagonal mesoporous silica catalysts, denoted Co-HMS-n, where n corresponds to the molar ratio (Si/Co = 10, 20 and 50), was synthesized to evaluate its catalytic activity in the presence of NaBH4 in the degradation of metronidazole (MNZ), an antibiotic known for its low non-biodegradability in aquatic environments. The obtained materials were characterized using several analytical techniques (XRF, XRD, FTIR, BET, XPS, SEM, and Raman). A single pure crystalline phase corresponding to the spinel Co3O4, with crystallites average size of 36.7 nm, was detected by X-ray. Different reaction parameters were evaluated to achieve optimal working conditions (NaBH4 mass, catalyst mass, MNZ initial concentration, and pH). The MNZ degradation reaction was monitored by UV-visible spectroscopy, and the endpoints were confirmed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).The degradation products were identified by mass spectrometry. A catalytic efficiency of 100% was observed on Co-HMS-20 with a half-life