Hydrothermal synthesis of sphere-shaped silver-based magnetic nanocomposite loaded on mesoporous KIT-5 for efficient photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline (TC)

KIT-5 mesoporous silica was loaded with silver-based magnetic nanocomposite with the help of an acid modulator under hydrothermal conditions. The morphology, bandgap, surface area, pore size, and magnetic properties of the magnetic nanocomposite-loaded KIT-5 material were determined using imaging, spectroscopic, BET analysis, and VSM studies, respectively. The magnetic nanocomposite-loaded mesoporous KIT-5 material was then screened for pharmaceutical waste degradation, and it was found that the material was able to photo-catalytically degrade the toxic tetracycline with 97% efficiency under visible light conditions. UV spectrophotometer was used to investigate the usage of functionalized nanomaterial for the degradation and removal of pharmaceutical waste, tetracycline. The recyclability and reusability of the magnetic nanocomposite-loaded mesoporous KIT-5 material in pharma waste degradation were also studied. A mechanism for the degradation of tetracycline by the magnetic mesoporous KIT-5 material was also discussed based on the crystallinity, surface area, and bandgap of the material.