Complete degradation of tamoxifen using FeNi3@SiO2@ZnO as a photocatalyst with UV light irradiation: A study on the degradation process and sensitivity analysis using ANN tool

The present work aims to test degradation ability of FeNi3@SiO2@ZnO magnetic nanocomposite (FeNi3@SiO2@ZnO MNC) for Tamoxifen (TMX). The degradation process was accomplished through using photocatalytic reaction type under irradiation by UV light. The results of the characterization study demonstrated that FeNi3@SiO2@ZnO MNC possesses excellent practical and photocatalytic properties. In addition, it can be largely recyclable and effective for TMX degradation, where a complete degradation of 20 mg/L of TMX concentration can be achieved at the optimized conditions: pH = 7, FeNi3@SiO2@ZnO MNC dose = 0.005 g/L, and UV irradiation time = 120 min. Most of the by-products generated at the end of the TMX degradation reactions were in themselves non-toxic chemicals, including carbon dioxide, water, and mineral acids. The kinetic profiles of the degradation reaction were also of a fast pattern and could be mathematically represented by a pseudo-first-order formula. Ultimately, the analysis of ANN demonstrated that irradiation time had the greatest impact on the degradation process of TMX, hence pH and initial concentration. The study concluded that the photocatalytic process, using FeNi3@SiO2@ZnO MNC as a catalyst and under UV light irradiation, can be suggested as an efficacious method for the treatment of TMX wastewater in an economical, safe, and eco-friendly manner.