Magnetic recyclable carboxymethyl cellulose/gelatin/citrate@FeO photo-nanocomposite beads for ciprofloxacin removal via hybrid adsorption/photocatalysis process under solar light as a renewable energy source.

Magnetically separable cross-linked carboxymethyl cellulose/gelatin/citrate-functionalized magnetite nanoparticles (Cit-FeO) photo-nanocomposite beads (mCMC/Ge) were synthesized and applied in synergistic adsorption/photocatalytic degradation of ciprofloxacin (Cipro) pharmaceutical pollutant under sunlight irradiation. Various analytical techniques were employed to characterize their structural, textural, magnetic, thermal, and optical properties. The removal efficiency of mCMC/Ge beads was investigated considering different influencing parameters (pH, beads dosage, contact time, Cipro concentration, and temperature). Experimental data modeling indicated that the adsorption process followed pseudo-second-order kinetics and Langmuir isotherm models, with a maximum Langmuir adsorption capacity (q) of 50 mg g for mCMC/Ge, twice that of the matrix. Photocatalytic activity results showed prominent enhancement in Cipro removal using 1 g L of mCMC/Ge at pH 7, as compared to Cit-FeO, reaching 96 %, 85 %, and 63 % after 180 min of adsorption and 120 min of irradiation for initial pollutant concentrations of 10, 20, and 60 mg L, respectively. Furthermore, mCMC/Ge demonstrated efficient removal even in real water sample. The excellent removal performance of mCMC/Ge highlighted the synergy between polymeric matrix template and encapsulated Cit-FeO in improving Cipro adsorption and photodegradation. Furthermore, facile recyclability and sustained activity over five cycles identify mCMC/Ge photo-nanocomposite as a promising material for removing organic pollutants from contaminated waters.