Elimination of ibuprofen and its relative photo-induced toxicity by mesoporous BiOBr under simulated solar light irradiation

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3D mesoporous BiOBr microspheres via a one-step solvothermal process without templates were synthesized. The as-synthesized material was characterized by XRD, XPS, FESEM, TEM, UV-Vis and nitrogen adsorption techniques. The photodegradation behavior of the non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) ibuprofen (IBP) in aqueous BiOBr suspension was investigated under simulated solar light irradiation. The photocatalytic activity of the as-prepared 3D mesoporous BiOBr microspheres was excellent. IBP photodegradation intermediates were detected by GC/MS analyses, and a detailed reaction pathway was proposed. Luminous bacteria (Vibrio qinghaiensis) toxicity evaluation showed the decrease of the toxicity of the photodegradation intermediates. Based on the results, 3D BiOBr could be a promising catalyst on irradiation by visible light, and even under sunlight.