Decomposition of Antibiotics and Antifungal Properties of «PMMA/(Na/K)VMoO6» Photocatalysts Under Domestic LED-Light Irradiation

Abstract

The effective complex oxide photocatalysts (Na/K)VMoO₆ are used for antibiotic decomposition under domestic visible light. Due to simplify the extraction of nanopowder from solution, the obtained powders are distributed over the volume of the polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) spongy polymer and applied to the polymer surface (PMMA organic glass). The composite photocatalysts (Na/K)VMoO₆/PMMA have been investigated by scanning electron microscopy with X-ray microanalysis before and after photocatalytic experiments to confirm their stability. The most effective decomposition of antibiotics (isoniazid and levofloxacin) is observed for initial powders because of huge active surface area. Despite this fact, NaVMoO₆/PMMA sponge leads to rather deep isoniazid and levofloxacin decomposition, whereas KVMoO₆/PMMA sponge and glass are highly effective to levofloxacin decomposition. Using HPLC-MS analysis, the possible degradation pathway of antibiotics is proposed. In addition, both powders show significant antifungal activity in light.