Hybrid sonocatalysis/electrolysis process for intensified decomposition of amoxicillin in aqueous solution in the presence of magnesium oxide nanocatalyst

In the present study, amoxicillin (AMX) solution was treated by the combination of sonocatalysis (ultrasound/MgO nanoparticles) with electrolysis (Pt anode/graphite cathode). The reaction rate of the combined process (5.29 × 10⁻² min⁻¹) was over two orders of magnitude higher than that of the sonocatalysis (2.45 × 10⁻² min⁻¹). AMX was decomposed synergistically by the hybrid process (synergy percent of about 16%). On the basis of the applied mathematical modeling, an AMX removal efficiency (%) of more than 93% was achieved at Na₂SO₄ concentration of 0.13 M, current intensity of 0.04 A, MgO nanoparticles dosage of 1.8 g/L and AMX concentration of 11 mg/L.