Enhanced photodegradation of sertraline using a hybrid-metal–organic framework composite photocatalyst: optimization and kinetic study

This study aimed to synthesize and evaluate the performance of a series of photocatalysts, including Co-MOF, Ni-MOF, bimetallic Co, Ni-MOF, and Ni-MOF on Co-MOF, for the efficient photodegradation of the antidepressant drug sertraline. The photocatalysts were synthesized using the hydrothermal method, and their effectiveness in sertraline degradation was compared. Results revealed that Ni-MOF on Co-MOF exhibited the highest percentage of photodegradation, surpassing other photocatalysts, with bimetallic Co, Ni-MOF ranking second. To further optimize the process, response surface methodology based on central composite design was employed to determine the influential factors and their interactions. Under the established optimum conditions, including photocatalyst amount (75 mg), pH (5.5), sertraline concentration (117 mg L⁻¹), and hydrogen peroxide percentage (1.8%), the photodegradation process utilizing Ni-MOF on Co-MOF achieved remarkable results. Kinetic analysis using a pseudo-first-order model demonstrated a rate constant of 0.019 ± 0.001 min⁻¹ and a half-life of 36.28 min. These findings underscore the efficiency and effectiveness of Ni-MOF on Co-MOF as a superior photocatalyst for the degradation of sertraline, offering valuable insights into process optimization and kinetics for potential applications in wastewater treatment and environmental remediation.