Photodegradation of Human Serum Albumin by Fe3O4/ ZnO/Ag Nanocomposite

Fe3O4/ ZnO/Ag magnetic nanocomposite was synthesized for the first time and its ability was evaluated for photocatalytic degradation of albumin in aqueous solutions under UV-A light. The resulting nanoparticles were then characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), vibration magnetometer (VSM), and Fourier infrared (FTIR). The effects of some parameters such as pH, initial albumin concentration, catalyst concentration, and temperature were also investigated in the photodegradation of albumin. The results showed that the maximum removal of albumin was obtained at pH 9, catalyst concentration of 0. 5 g/l, initial albumin concentration of 150 mg/l, and room temperature in 90 min. Under the optimum conditions, the total amount of organic carbon (TOC) was 56%. Kinetic degradation experiments followed the pseudo-first-order kinetic model with a constant rate (k) of 0.0255 min-1. Therefore, due to the high performance of Fe3O4/ ZnO/Ag magnetic nanocomposite in the degradation of albumin as well as its easy synthesis and separation with an external magnetic field, it can be used as a suitable and environmentally friendly catalyst for the degradation of organic and resistant pollutants in the wastewater.