Kinetics of Degradation of Metronidazole by Hydrogen Peroxide Using MIL‐101 (Fe) Catalyst

ABSTRACT In this study, a heterogeneous Fenton‐like system utilizing MIL‐101(Fe) was developed for the kinetic degradation of metronidazole (MZN) in aqueous solution. MIL‐101(Fe) was synthesized and characterized comprehensively via X‐rays Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infra‐Red (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) adsorption method and Energy Dispersive X‐ray Spectroscopy (EDS), confirming the catalyst's crystalline structure, coordination environment, porous morphology, and elemental purity. Degradation kinetics were monitored using UV–Vis spectrophotometry, revealing a pseudo‐first‐order reaction condition. The reaction rate correlated positively with oxidant concentration, achieving a maximum apparent rate constant (k obs ) of 1.6 × 10 − 5 s − 1 at an optimum catalyst dosage of 10 mg. Conversely, increased MZN concentrations reduced efficiency, attributed to the saturation of active sites. The marked inhibition of the reaction by surfactants provided strong evidence for a surface‐mediated radical mechanism. Stability tests demonstrated negligible iron leaching (equilibrium concentration of 0.67 mg L −1 ), confirming that homogeneous catalysis was insignificant. Furthermore, the catalyst maintained its structural integrity and degradation efficiency over successive cycles. These findings position MIL‐101(Fe) as a robust and efficient candidate for the oxidative treatment of antibiotic‐contaminated wastewater.