LAUSR

Abstract Background Nowadays, the non-steroidal drug diclofenac sodium (DCF) has emerged as hazardous pollutant due to its eco-toxic nature and its efficient elimination from wastewater is emerging as crucial problem. But, low activity, high cost and instability of the conventional photocatalysts restrain their uses. Method In this study, different anion impreganted Cu-Al layered double hydroxides (LDH) and Bi2O3 derived heterocomposites have been examined as plausible photocatalysts for degradation of DCF under visible light radiation. These composites have synthesized by simple wet impregnation methods and characterized by several methods such as XRD, HR-TEM, XPS SEM-EDX, XPS, DRS, phototuminescence(PL), BET etc. Significant Findings The BET sorption isotherms indicate that the anion loaded composites are having larger specific surface area than the pristine one. Also, upon anion impregnation the zeta potential values shift towards more negative values confirming absorption of anions. They show significantly higher (65% for carbonate and 83% for sulphate) photcatalytic activity compare to the parent hybrid (53%). Here, the anions act as efficient electron scavengers to suppress the electron-hole pair recombination. The individual photocatalytic reactions follow pseudo-first order kinetics. Due to low cost, simpler preparation, enhanced activity and recyclability the anion loaded derivatives can emerge as excellent photocatalyst for eradicating DCF.