Â鶹ÒùÔº

Researchers at National Taiwan University designed a graphene oxide biochar TiO₂ nanocomposite that combines adsorption capacity with superior photocatalytic activity. With strong material characterization and optoelectronic properties, it offers a novel and sustainable solution for antibiotic removal from livestock wastewater.

Antibiotics from animal farming, including sulfamethoxazole, oxytetracycline, and enrofloxacin, persist in wastewater, threatening aquatic life and accelerating antimicrobial resistance. Conventional treatments are either inefficient or too costly for widespread use, creating an urgent need for innovative materials.

In a study in Chemical Engineering Journal, researchers have developed a novel nanocomposite that unites adsorption and photocatalysis in one system. By integrating graphene oxide, biochar, and TiO₂, the material achieves performance beyond the limits of single-function adsorbents or photocatalysts.

Material characterization confirmed the unique properties of this hybrid design. Scanning electron microscopy revealed a porous structure with uniformly anchored TiO₂ nanoparticles. X-ray diffraction demonstrated crystalline stability, while FTIR and Raman spectroscopy verified abundant surface functionalities. BET surface area analysis showed high porosity, supporting strong antibiotic adsorption.

The nanocomposite achieved more than 95% removal of antibiotics under ultraviolet light and retained nearly 90% efficiency after repeated reuse cycles.

Its optoelectronic properties, including broad spectrum absorption, narrowed bandgap, improved charge carrier separation, and efficient electron transfer, were validated by UV-visible spectroscopy and photocurrent response. These properties significantly enhance photocatalytic activity compared to conventional TiO₂ systems.

This novelty lies in the synergistic mechanism: antibiotics are first concentrated on the biochar graphene oxide matrix, then degraded by light-activated TiO₂ into harmless products.

This multifunctional approach provides a durable, scalable, and sustainable solution for wastewater treatment while supporting global goals for clean water, responsible production, and aquatic ecosystem protection.

"This research demonstrates a pioneering route to safeguard water resources from pharmaceutical pollution," says Prof. Shang Lien Lo, corresponding author of the study.