Revista de Estruturas Metálicas e Construção

Coating Steel Discs with a Photocatalytic CuO/SiO2 System for the Degradation of Methylene Blue and Amoxicillin Contaminants

Abstract

Renouf Mitra

The contamination of water sources by organic pollutants such as Methylene Blue (MB) and pharmaceutical residues like Amoxicillin (AMX) presents significant environmental and public health challenges. Traditional wastewater treatment methods often struggle to effectively remove these persistent contaminants. Photocatalytic degradation using semiconductor-based materials has emerged as a promising approach for pollutant removal. In this study, we investigate the application of a CuO/SiO₂ photocatalytic system for coating steel discs to facilitate the degradation of MB and AMX contaminants. Through experimental analysis and characterization, we assess the photocatalytic activity, stability, and efficiency of the coated steel discs under simulated solar irradiation. The findings contribute to the development of sustainable remediation technologies for water pollution control.