IRO Journals
Recent Research Reviews Journal

Synthesis and Application of Cellulose–Iron Nanomembrane for Removal of Pharmaceutical Contaminants Using Photocatalytic UV Reactor

Open Access
Published: 13 June, 2026
Pages: 115-134
  • Janani T. , Janani T.
    PG Student, Department of Environmental Engineering, Government College of Technology, Coimbatore, India
    PG Student, Department of Environmental Engineering, Government College of Technology, Coimbatore, India
  • Bhuvaneswari R. Bhuvaneswari R.
    Associate Professor, Government College of Technology, Coimbatore, India
    Associate Professor, Government College of Technology, Coimbatore, India
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How to Cite

T., Janani, and Bhuvaneswari R. 2026. “Synthesis and Application of Cellulose–Iron Nanomembrane for Removal of Pharmaceutical Contaminants Using Photocatalytic UV Reactor”. Recent Research Reviews Journal 5 (1): 115-34. https://doi.org/10.36548/rrrj.2026.1.008.
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Keywords

Green Synthesis
Iron Oxide Nanoparticles
Fe₂O₃
Cellulose Acetate Nanomembrane
Electrospinning
Photocatalytic Degradation
Amoxicillin Removal
UV-Assisted Photocatalysis
Pharmaceutical Wastewater Treatment
Water Purification

Abstract

Pharmaceutical contaminants in the water pose serious environmental and health risks due to their persistence and resistance to conventional treatment methods. This study developed for a sustainable cellulose–iron nanomembrane integrated with a UV-assisted photocatalytic reactor for removal of amoxicillin from aqueous solutions. Green synthesis of iron oxide (Fe₂O₃) nanoparticle using Punica granatum (pomegranate) peel extract was carried out using it as a natural reducing agent and stabilizer. The prepared iron oxide nanoparticles were incorporated into the cellulose acetate matrix and fabricated into a nanofibrous membrane via electrospinning technique and further treated using citric acid cross-linking to ensure better stability. The synthesized nanoparticles and membranes were characterized by Particle Size Analysis (PSA), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), UV–Visible spectroscopy, and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). Experimental results illustrate successful synthesis and fabrication of FeO nanoparticles with an average particle size of 225.4nm and an enhanced thermal stability. Photocatalytic degradation tests demonstrated the effective removal of amoxicillin under UV radiation with 90% removal achieved in 60minutes with cellulose-iron nanomembrane. The removal is attributed to the synergistic action of adsorption by nanomembrane and photo-oxidation generated by reactive oxygen species due to activated FeO NPs upon UV exposure. This cellulose-iron nanomembrane shows to be a highly effective and environmentally friendly material for treating pharmaceutical wastewater and advancing water purification technology.

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