Abstract
The release of industrial wastewater into the ecosystem prompted our research on the development of an efficient and biodegradable material that can be used for wastewater treatment. We optimized preparation of porous material from poly(lactic acid) (PLA) by variation in solvents and drying methods (air-drying vs. supercritical CO 2 -drying). In addition, we optimized the method of TiO 2 nanoparticles immobilization (in situ vs. ex situ) onto porous PLA. The material properties and functionality were verified by SEM, water displacement, gas adsorption-desorption, Hg-intrusion porosimetry, dye degradation, FTIR, TGA/DSC, and water contact angle analysis. We showed that the morphology of PLA material could be controlled by variation in process parameters resulting in porosity from 43% to 73%. The prepared material sustained floatability for longer than 4 weeks and provided complete discoloration of dye C.I. Acid Orange 7 after 240 min of illumination. The high photocatalytic activity was preserved within three repeated cycles. • Porous material was obtained by air-drying and scCO 2 -drying of PLA alcogels. • Selection of the solvent and drying method significantly affected PLA material morphology. • ScCO 2 -drying enabled the preparation of material with porosity up to 73%. • Floating photocatalyst was obtained by immobilization of TiO 2 nanoparticles onto porous PLA. • Immobilization of TiO 2 nanoparticles affected the surface hydrophobicity of PLA material.
Published Version
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