journal article·2026-01-14Open access

Surface-Modified Magnetic Nanoparticles for Photocatalytic Degradation of Antibiotics in Wastewater: A Review

Melissa Ariza Gonzalez, Supawitch Hoijang, Dang B. Tran, Quoc Minh Tran, Refia Atik, Rafiqul Islam, Sugandika Maparathne, Sujitra Wongthep, Ramtin Yarinia, Ruwanthi Amarasekara, Pailinrut Chinwangso, T. Randall Lee

Applied Sciences· Volume 16· Issue 2

Abstract

Recent advancements in nanotechnology and materials science have enabled the development of magnetic photocatalysts with improved efficiency, stability, and reusability, offering a promising approach for wastewater treatment. The integration of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) into photocatalytic processes has gained significant attention as a sustainable method for addressing emerging pollutants—such as antibiotics and pharmaceutical compounds—which pose environmental and public health risks, including the proliferation of antibiotic resistance. Surface modification techniques, specifically applied to MNPs, are employed to enhance their photocatalytic performance by improving surface reactivity, reducing nanoparticle agglomeration, and increasing photocatalytic activity under both visible and ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation. These modifications also facilitate the selective adsorption and degradation of target contaminants. Importantly, the modified nanoparticles retain their magnetic properties, allowing for facile separation and reuse in multiple treatment cycles via external magnetic fields. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent developments in surface-modified MNPs for wastewater treatment, with a focus on their physicochemical properties, surface modification strategies, and effectiveness in the removal of antibiotics from aqueous environments. Furthermore, the review discusses advantages over conventional treatment methods, current limitations, and future research directions, emphasizing the potential of this technology for sustainable and efficient water purification.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline

Research context

OpenAlex topics: Advanced Photocatalysis Techniques · Nanomaterials for catalytic reactions · Environmental remediation with nanomaterials

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Department of Chemistry and Texas Center for Superconductivity, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA

Department of Chemistry, Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry (PERCH-CIC), and Center of Excellence in Materials Science and Technology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

Funding

Air Force Office of Scientific Research · Robert A. Welch Foundation

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