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Combatting emerging water contaminants: comparative photocatalytic degradation of pharmaceuticals using CeO2/CdS nanorods under UV irradiation

Authors

  • Usman Niaz

    Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), 81310 Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
    Author

  • Ayesha Jamil

    Building Research Station, Communication and Works Department, 54770 Lahore, Pakistan
    Author

  • Muhammad Safwan Aziz

    Laser Centre, Ibnu Sina Institute for Scientific and Industrial Research, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), 81310 Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
    Author

  • Retna Apsari

    Department of Engineering, Faculty of Advanced Technology and Multidiscipline, Universitas Airlangga, Jl. Mulyorejo, Surabaya, 60115, Indonesia
    Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22581/muet1982.0375

Keywords:

Efficient heterostructure, Bandgap engineering, Photocatalysts, Diclofenac degradation , Environmental remediation, Pharmaceutical pollutant

Abstract

Pharmaceutical contamination in aquatic environments poses a critical global threat due to the persistence and toxicity of compounds such as Carbamazepine, Diclofenac, and Naproxen. In this study, fluorite-structured CeO2/CdS composite nanorods were synthesized and evaluated for their photocatalytic efficiency in degrading these emerging contaminants under UV irradiation. The nanorods were thoroughly characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and UV-Vis spectroscopy. Structural analysis confirmed the successful integration of CdS into the CeO2 matrix, and the average diameter (25 nm) was confirmed by FESEM. At the same time, optical characterization revealed a narrowed bandgap of 2.23 eV, enhancing UV light absorption. Photocatalytic experiments demonstrated significant degradation efficiencies, achieving 62.4% for Carbamazepine, 78.0% for Diclofenac, and 95.3% for Naproxen within 180 minutes of UV exposure with degradation rate constants of 0.0054 Min-1, 0.008 Min-1, and 0.015 Min-1, respectively.  The high degradation performance is attributed to the synergistic interaction between CeO₂ and CdS, which facilitates enhanced charge separation and photocatalytic reactivity. These findings highlight the potential of CeO₂/CdS nanorods as an effective and sustainable photocatalyst for the removal of pharmaceutical pollutants from water systems.

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References

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Published

2025-10-28

Issue

Vol. 44 No. 4 (2025): October Issue

Section

Articles

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Copyright (c) 2025 Mehran University Research Journal of Engineering and Technology

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How to Cite

Combatting emerging water contaminants: comparative photocatalytic degradation of pharmaceuticals using CeO2/CdS nanorods under UV irradiation. (2025). Mehran University Research Journal of Engineering and Technology, 44(4), 133-142. https://doi.org/10.22581/muet1982.0375

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