WO3 nanopowders as efficient photocatalysts for paracetamol degradation

The photocatalytic degradation of paracetamol, a widely detected pharmaceutical contaminant, was investigated using WO3 nanopowders synthesized via a hydrothermal method. The obtained materials exhibited a hierarchical micro/nanostructured morphology composed of interconnected grains and well-defined nanoplate-like particles. Optical characterization revealed an indirect band gap of approximately 2.9 eV. The photocatalytic performance of WO3 was evaluated under light irradiation, demonstrating a gradual decrease in paracetamol concentration with increasing irradiation time. The degradation process followed pseudo-first-order kinetics, with an apparent rate constant ( kapp ) of 2.54 * 10-2 min -1 . The enhanced photocatalytic activity is attributed to the developed surface morphology and improved charge transport within the interconnected structure. These results highlight the potential of WO3 nanopowders as effective photocatalysts for the removal of pharmaceutical pollutants from aqueous environments.