Sustainable\nNatural Deep Eutectic Solvent-Mediated\nSynthesis of Magnesium Zirconate Nanoparticles: A Photocatalyst for\nthe Degradation of Anti-Viral Drug

The anti-viral drug hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) has captivated\nsignificant\ninterest in the pharmaceutical field, as it is a quinolone derivative.\nIts unrestrained occurrence causes prominent health hazards owing\nto its persistent, carcinogenic, recalcitrant, and teratogenic nature.\nHerein, in this work, an experimental investigation was carried out\ntoward the photocatalytic degradation of HCQ drug using magnesium\nzirconate (MgZrO<sub>3</sub>) nanoparticles as an effective photocatalyst.\nA comprehensive characterizations of the as-synthesized material was\ncarried out. The photocatalytic degradation of the HCQ drug was examined\nwith various sources of light energies. The obtained outcomes indicated\nthat ±85% of HCQ was degraded using a MgZrO<sub>3</sub> photocatalyst\nwithin 30 min of the reaction time under UV–visible (ultraviolet)\nlight irradiation. Further, other significant operational parameters\nsuch as various catalyst dosages, HCQ concentrations, pH, scavengers,\nand salts were examined. The degradation studies revealed that the\nreaction followed pseudo-first-order kinetics. Hence, this perovskite-type\nMgZrO<sub>3</sub> has grasped profound attention in environmental\nremediation, significantly in photocatalytic degradation of HCQ drug.\nThis comprehensive research offers green synthesis strategy as a substantial\nframework for providing effective photocatalyst that addresses contemporary\nwater pollution issues linked to notable results. This aids in targeting\nera-driven advancements toward a clean and safe future environment.