Photocatalytic degradation of amoxicillin via TiO2 nanoparticle coupling with a novel submerged porous ceramic membrane reactor

Abstract A combination of photocatalysis and membrane separation technology is applied to the degradation of refractory antibiotic organic compounds in aqueous solutions. TiO 2 photocatalysts, which are inexpensive, commercially available, and nontoxic, have lately been of wide concern. In this study, a submerged ceramic membrane photocatalytic reactor (SCMPR) coupling with a suspended TiO 2 photocatalyst was designed and developed for removing antibiotics in environmental water remediation. Separation of the TiO 2 photocatalyst was carried out via antifouling ceramic membranes with hollow structures. The SCMPR had high removal capacity and stability for amoxicillin (AMX) degradation over a wide pH range, i.e., 6.5 to 9.0. The unique hollow structure of the ceramic membranes and aeration system not only provided high self-purification capability, but also enhanced the removal stability, of the SCMPR. As a result, SCMPRs are promising wastewater processing devices for practical application. Two possible pathways for AMX photodegradation in the SCMPR were analyzed by means of a Q-TOF LC/MS system, with most of the intermediates finally mineralized to CO 2 , water, and inorganic ions by hydroxyl radicals.