ZnO and ZnO/Ce Powders as Tribocatalysts for Removal of Tetracycline Antibiotic

Research on tribocatalysis, which involves the triboelectric effect, is based on the concept that friction between dissimilar materials can generate charges capable of initiating catalytic reactions. This phenomenon holds significant potential for the degradation of wastewater contaminants in the environment. In this study, pure and Ce-modified (2 mol%) ZnO powders were investigated as tribocatalysts for the degradation of doxycycline (DC), a tetracycline antibiotic, in the absence of light. The research demonstrates that friction between the catalyst, the beaker, and the polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) magnetic rod induces charge transfer at their interfaces, leading to the breakdown of pollutants. Additionally, doxycycline degradation was observed at three different stirring speeds (100, 300, and 500 rpm). The results confirmed the tribocatalytic effect, showing that DC degradation increases with higher stirring speeds. Using ZnO and ZnO/Ce powders, maximum degradations of 80% and 55%, respectively, were achieved in 24 h at a stirring speed of 500 rpm. The findings of this study suggest that these samples can effectively degrade contaminants in water through the application of mechanical energy.