Optimization of the TiO2/Ge composition by the response surface method of photocatalytic degradation under ultraviolet-A irradiation and the toxicity reduction of amoxicillin

•We successfully fabricated the optimum TiO2 based composite.•Optimum ration could be determined by respond surface method (RSM).•The optimum composite showed a great activity in photocatalysis and toxicity reduction.

The photocatalytic removal of amoxicillin (AMX) over a TiO2/Ge composite under ultraviolet-A irradiation was investigated in this study. The optimal composition of the TiO2/Ge composite was determined by the response surface method to maximize AMX removal and the reduction of toxicity in the aqueous phase; the photocatalytic degradation of AMX over the optimal TiO2/Ge composite was approximately 91.6%.

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