MnFeCoNiCu nanoparticles (NPs) are synthesised using a simple and scalable method, and their efficiency in degrading an antibiotic (sulfamethoxazole) and an anticonvulsant (carbamazepine) is comprehensively evaluated in this work. The MnFeCoNiCu NPs were synthesized by induction melting using high-purity metal chips. It was then remelted in a muffle furnace to achieve a single-phase structure, after which it was ball milled to yield the MnFeCoNiCu NPs. Various characterization techniques were then used to confirm the creation of a homogenous, single-phase, face-centered cubic structure. Following that, the ability of the MnFeCoNiCu NPs to degrade sulfamethoxazole and carbamazepine under visible light was studied. Sulfamethoxazole and carbamazepine showed photocatalytic removal efficiencies of 95% and 88%, respectively after 120 minutes of treatment under visible light. These results are much higher than those for reported conventional metal-based photocatalysts. The enhanced performance of the MnFeCoNiCu NPs can be attributed to their multi-element active sites and small band gap.

Furthermore, a potential mechanism for the photocatalytic degradation of the PhACs is suggested. Further, the colony-forming unit test shows that there is no immediate threat to human health or the health of the surrounding flora and fauna from the by-products of MnFeCoNiCu-mediated photocatalysis. Additionally, there is no notable leaching of heavy metal ions and the MnFeCoNiCu NPs display exceptional stability for continuous use for multiple reaction cycles. Overall, the findings of this study demonstrate the potential of MnFeCoNiCu NPs as a visible light-active photocatalyst for the treatment of PhAC-contaminated wastewater.