Laser-synthesized FeBi nanoparticles for the efficient photocatalytic degradation of persistent antibiotics in water

The present manuscript delves into the photocatalytic degradation of sulfamethoxazole (SMX) in water facilitated by FeBi nanoparticles (NPs). These FeBi NPs were meticulously crafted through reactive laser ablation in liquids (RLAL), a scalable and remarkably sustainable synthetic process capable of generating diverse multielement NPs. The composition of the FeBi NPs exhibited exceptional performance, showcasing a heightened reaction rate constant (4.62 +/- 0.23) center dot; 10-3 min-1 and reduced leaching compared to their monometallic Fe and Bi counterparts. Employing advanced oxidation processes, the nanomaterial generated nine transformation products, with the initial two cycles at an optimized FeBi NP concentration of 80 mg/L, yielding a diverse range of short-chain transformation products. This observation indicates improved reaction efficiency and heightened biocompatibility of the resulting transformation products. The current findings underscore the potential of laser ablation methodology and the distinctive alloyed FeBi NPs in the realm of antibiotic degradation, offering a viable strategy to diminish the presence of antibiotics in aquatic environments. By doing so, these NPs contribute to developing novel approaches aimed at mitigating the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, a pressing global health concern. Moreover, FeBi NPs present innovative opportunities in broad-spectrum catalytic processes, addressing the limitations associated with conventional UV-dependent photocatalysts and advancing sustainable solutions for environmental remediation.