Green decoration of Pd nanoparticles on MXene/metal organic framework support for photocatalytic degradation of ofloxacin

The widespread use of fluoroquinolone antibiotics, such as ofloxacin (OFL), has led to their unintended presence in aquatic environments. The removal of OFL from water bodies is crucial to mitigate the spread of antibiotic resistance. In this work, palladium nanoparticles supported on MXene/metal organic framework (Pd/MXOF) nanocomposite was successfully prepared via a green approach and then employed as a novel catalyst material for the photocatalytic degradation of OFL. The Pd/MXOF sample demonstrates improved absorption in the visible region in contrast to MXOF samples, possibly attributed to better electronic transfer at catalyst surface. According to experimental results, a higher photocatalytic activity was obtained for Pd/MXOF catalyst in comparison with MXene, MIL-101(Fe), and MXOF substances. Excellent photodegradation efficiency (∼100 %) of OFL after 30 min irradiation of visible light was obtained using Pd/MXOF. The effectiveness degradation of OFL through the suggested photocatalysis process was dependent on the initial concentration of OFL, catalyst dosage, and solution pH value. Following four cycles, the photocatalyst exhibited acceptable stability and reusability. The key roles of hole (h⁺) and •O₂⁻ radical in the photocatalytic reaction were elucidated by the active species trapping studies. This work may provide a very potent strategy to photodegrade antibiotic pollutants in contaminated waters.