3D-Printed Sr-Doped TiO2 / Biowaste / Polymeric Structures for Mitigating Dye Contamination in Water

Abstract

Wastewater laden with synthetic dyes from the textile industry poses a threat to natural water sources, the environment, and human health, contravening Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Addressing this challenge requires innovative solutions focusing on contaminant removal in wastewater treatment. This study explored the application of 3D-printed polymeric structure incorporating Sr-doped TiO2 and biowastes as photocatalysts and adsorbents to eliminate Methylene Blue (MB) from water. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis verified that the Sr-doped TiO2 powder synthesized by solution combustion technique predominantly exhibited the anatase phase. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) showed that the average particle sizes for TiO2 doped with 1 mol% and 5 mol% Sr were 19.45±2.6 nm and 10.32±1.9 nm, respectively. The Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis determined the specific surface area as follows: 1 mol% Sr-doped TiO2 at 39.7 m²/g, 5 mol% Sr-doped TiO2 at 86.8 m²/g, SiO2 from sugarcane leaves at 168.2 m²/g, and bagasse ash at 8.5 m²/g. Over 24 hours in the dark, the 3D polymeric structure and the one incorporating Sr-doped TiO2/bagasse ash absorbed approximately 48% of the MB dye. For the structure containing Sr-doped TiO2/silica from sugarcane leaves, a 66% dye adsorption was observed. Exposure to UV light for 8 hours further enhanced dye removal in the Sr-doped TiO2/silica/polymeric structure, surpassing 84%. Reusability experiments over 10 cycles demonstrated the structures' stable performance, with dye degradation efficiency consistently exceeding 70%, and statistical analysis confirming no significant decline in efficiency across cycles. This study underscores the efficacy of 3D-printed Sr-Doped TiO2/biowaste/polymeric structures as a promising technology for mitigating water pollution, providing a viable solution to the environmental and health challenges arising from dye-contaminated wastewater in the textile industry.