Synergistic adsorption-photocatalytic degradation of levofloxacin using Zn_1-xCu_xS-modified cellulose/chitosan sponge

Abstract

Antibiotics have revolutionized infectious disease management; however, their incomplete absorption and metabolism by humans lead to environmental discharge, posing severe threats to ecosystems. Levofloxacin (LEV), a typical broad-spectrum fluoroquinolone antibiotic, is highly resistant to microbial biodegradation in aqueous environments and poses a major threat to human health and ecological systems. This paper presents a facile and robust strategy for fabricating Zn_1-xCu_xS nanoparticle (NP)-decorated cellulose-chitosan composite sponges (denoted as ZnCuCCS). The synthetic route integrates hydrothermal xanthate decomposition and in situ deposition, producing a porous composite characterized by homogeneous Zn_1-xCu_xS NP dispersion, strong NP anchoring, and superior mechanical stability. Benefiting from the abundant adsorption sites provided by the polysaccharide sponge matrix and the high surface exposure of Zn_1-xCu_xS NPs, ZnCuCCS possesses a narrow bandgap (1.31 eV), which endows the composite with superior adsorption capability and prominent photocatalytic activity, achieving an LEV removal efficiency of up to 90.12%. Notably, ZnCuCCS maintains a stable degradation rate of 72.9% even after five consecutive reuse cycles. Systematic investigations of the adsorption-photocatalytic degradation behavior and intrinsic mechanism of LEV removal provide novel theoretical insights for the rational design and practical application of advanced photocatalytic materials in wastewater treatment.

Keywords

cellulose / chitosan / Zn_1-xCu_xS nanoparticles / levofloxacin removal / adsorption-photocatalytic degradation

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Higher Education Press 2026

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