Synthesis of recyclable GO/Cu(BTC)/FeO hybrid nanocomposites with enhanced photocatalytic degradation of aflatoxin B1.

This study evaluated the photocatalytic performance of the activated carbon assisted GO/Cu(BTC)/FeO photocatalyst for aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) degradation under ultraviolet light. The nanocomposite was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and nitrogen adsorption-desorption. The numerous factors influencing the degradation efficiency of AFB1 including catalyst dose, pH importance, and contact time were also probed. The elevated degradation performance of AFB1 by 99% was due to a larger surface area and improved GO/Cu(BTC)/FeO photocatalyst. The degradation process followed a pseudo-first-order kinetic model. Moreover, it is possible to quickly isolate the catalyst from the solution and retain successful operation. In the degradation of AFB1, the hole(h) and the hydroxyl radicals(OH) were found to play a significant role. These studies showed that GO/Cu(BTC)/FeO has high capturing capacity and photoactivity synergy, thereby offering a quick effect, and green solution to AFB1 degradation.