Abstract
Using a bi-polymer system comprising of transparent poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP), a visible light active Ag3PO4/P25 composite was immobilized into the mats of polymeric electrospun nanofibers. After nanofibers synthesis, sacrificial PVP was removed, leaving behind rough surface nanofibers with easy access to Ag3PO4/P25 composite. The remarkable photocatalytic efficiency was attained using a PMMA and Ag3PO4/P25 weight ratio of 1:0.6. Methyl orange (MO) was used to visualize pollutant removal and exhibited stable removal kinetics up to five consecutive cycles under simulated daylight. Also, these polymeric nanofibers (NFs) revealed an important role in the destruction of microorganisms (E. coli), signifying their potential in water purification. A thin film fibrous mat was also used in a small bench scale plug flow reactor (PFR) for polishing of synthetic secondary effluent and the effects of inorganic salts were studied upon photocatalytic degradation in terms of total organic carbon (TOC) and turbidity removal. Lower flow rate (5 mL/h) resulted in maximum TOC and turbidity removal rates of 86% and 50%, respectively. Accordingly, effective Ag3PO4/P25 immobilization into an ideal support material and selectivity towards target pollutants could both enhance the efficiency of photocatalytic process under solar radiations without massive energy input.
Highlights
Among various water treatment techniques, photocatalysis has been extensively studied for its potential in water purification using solar radiations without chemical addition
(~3.2 eV for for anatase) of TiO2 determines that it can only be activated by UV light, demanding significant anatase) that it can only the be activated by UV light, demanding significant energy
The foremost objective of this study was to synthesize composite NFs with Ag3 PO4 /P25 nanoparticles exposed on the surface as well as separable and recyclable
Summary
Among various water treatment techniques, photocatalysis has been extensively studied for its potential in water purification using solar radiations without chemical addition. Catalysts 2020, 10, x; doi: FOR PEER REVIEW number of photocatalysts that have been explored, TiO2 based nanomaterials are most attractive due to their low cost, mechanical robustness, non-toxic nature, chemical stability, and capability to completely mineralize organic pollutants [1]. Several challenges exist in the application of completely mineralize organic pollutants [1]. (3)gap aggregate and (4) the need for UVwater light activation due to their is large band [2]. The need for UV light activation due to their large band gap [2]. The large band gap (~3.2 eV for for anatase) of TiO2 determines that it can only be activated by UV light, demanding significant anatase) of TiO that it can only the be activated by UV light, demanding significant energy
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