CHITOSAN/ZnO NANOCOMPOSITE MEMBRANES FOR REMOVAL OF PARACETAMOL FROM WATER

In this study, chitosan (CS) and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles were used as photocatalysts for the removal of paracetamol from water.Membranes made of chitosan and zinc oxide were prepared through a simple casting method with various concentrations of ZnO.The characterization was carried out by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and diffuse reflectance ultraviolet spectroscopy.The chitosan/ZnO composite was investigated for the removal of paracetamol, as a pollutant model, using the photodegradation activity.The effects of parameters such as pH (3-9), composite amount (0.03, 0.06, and 0.09 g), paracetamol concentration (20, 30, 40 ppm), and contact time (30, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 min) were studied.The results indicated that the highest photocatalytic degradation was obtained at 3 h of contact time, an initial concentration of 20 ppm, and a solution free pH (6.7).Using these conditions, over 99.17% of paracetamol was able to be degraded using 0.09 g of chitosan-ZnO nanocomposite under solar light irradiation.The obtained composite membranes (chitosan/ZnO) can be used as an effective and economical photocatalyst for complex water purification processes.