CoMn2O4: a straightforward manufacturing method for effective acebutolol removal upon visible light

There is a significant worldwide worry regarding pollution caused by pharmaceuticals. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to develop an efficient preventive approach to address this situation. Herein, CoMn₂O₄ was synthesized through a co-precipitation technique. To comprehensively investigate the crystalline phase, morphology, microstructure, and optical and electrochemical properties of the manufactured photocatalyst, multiple methodologies were employed. The photocatalytic efficacy of the obtained CoMn₂O₄ sample was assessed by decomposing acebutolol (ACB) under visible lighting exposure. After 180 min of illumination, the results revealed that CoMn₂O₄ exhibited exceptional efficacy, with an improvement of 91.3 %, approximately 78.44 and 40.25 times higher than photolysis and adsorption alone, respectively. The catalyst exhibited excellent stability and reliability, maintaining substantial performance across 5 successive cycles. Scavenger experiments revealed that hydroxyl radicals (^•OH) and superoxide radicals ^•O₂⁻ are the primary reactive species that trigger the decomposition of acebutolol, whereas holes (h⁺) and electrons (e⁻) contribute to a lesser extent. Crucially, based on the data, a plausible mechanism for ACB decomposition was proposed. Crucially, the biocompatibility of the ACB solution following treatment with CoMn₂O₄ was examined by growing lentil seeds. Given its straightforward manufacturing method and remarkable efficacy, the generated CoMn₂O₄ photocatalyst is appropriately suited for wastewater detoxification. This design approach opens new possibilities for creating highly efficient photocatalysts and lays the groundwork for future progress in the promising field of environmental remediation. This research sets the stage for manufacturing innovations in the near future.