Photodegradation of amoxicillin and ciprofloxacin using green‐synthesized copper oxide nanoparticles

Abstract Transition metal oxide nanoparticles (M x O y NPs) present unique physicochemical properties and high surface reactivity, making them useful in environmental processes. In metal nanoparticle classification, cupric oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) are considered some of the most attractive oxide materials; they are naturally abundant, non‐toxic, and inexpensive. In this research work, CuONPs were synthesized via a biological method, using an aqueous extract of Hibiscus rosa‐sinensis flowers ( H. rosa‐sinensis , ExHrsF), which acts as both a reducing and stabilizing agent (CuONPs/ExHrsF). The characterization of CuONPs/ExHrsF was performed using various analytical techniques, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) coupled with X‐ray energy‐dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and Zeta potential ( ζ ). The synthesized CuONPs/ExHrsF was utilized as photocatalysts in the degradation of amoxicillin (AMX) and ciprofloxacin (CIP) in water, achieving efficiencies approaching 100% within a 3‐h timeframe.