Application of Silver-Iron Co-doped ZrO₂ and TiO₂ Bimetallic Catalysts in the Photodegradation of Pharmaceutics Pollutants and in Inhibition of Corrosion of Commercial X65 Steel

The aim of this work is to evaluate the photocatalytic activity of silver-iron co-doped commercial oxide materials in the photodegradation of three models of drugs (ibuprofen, paracetamol and amoxicillin). These materials are also used as protectors of metal surface against inhibition of corrosion in acid medium and under visible irradiations. The studied photocatalysts are Ag-Fe/ZrO₂ and Ag-Fe/TiO₂. Characteristics of materials are evaluated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), spectroscopy electron microscopy (SEM), UV–visible in reflection diffuse (DRS/UV–Vis), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and x-ray fluorescence (XRF). The results show a surprising activity of the metalized catalysts, and drug mineralization rates reach 98% in the case of the Ag-Fe/ZrO₂ photocatalyst. We have carried out a continuous system on a pilot scale and obtained very satisfactory results concerning the photodegradation of the three pollutants. Finally, the study of the anticorrosion activity of the prepared materials under irradiations has proven that it is possible to use the catalysts studied in the photodegradation of organic pollutants and as corrosion inhibitors.