Electro-spray deposited TiO2 bilayer films and their recyclable photocatalytic self-cleaning strategy

Kewei Song,Md Shahiduzzaman,Liang Liu,Shinjiro Umezu,Boyang Chen,Kayo Hirose,Yue Cui

doi:10.1038/s41598-022-05633-w

Kewei Song, Md Shahiduzzaman + Show 5 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-05633-w

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Abstract

Recyclable titanium dioxide (TiO2)-based photocatalytic self-cleaning films (SCFs) having a bilayer structure were prepared and assessed. These SCFs comprised two layers of fibers fabricated using an electrospinning process. The self-cleaning layer was made of acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS) fibers with embedded TiO2 while the substrate layer was composed of fibers made by simultaneously electrospinning poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and ABS. This substrate improved the mechanical strength of the SCF and provided greater adhesion due to the presence of the PVA. The experimental results showed that the hydrophobicity (as assessed by the water contact angle), photocatalytic properties and self-cleaning efficiency of the SCF were all enhanced with increasing TiO2 content in the ABS/TiO2 fibers. In addition, the introduction of the substrate layer allowed the SCFs to be applied to various surfaces and then peeled off when desired. The ABS fibers effectively improved the strength of the overall film, while deterioration of the ABS upon exposure to UV light was alleviated by the addition of TiO2. These SCFs can potentially be recycled after use in various environments, and therefore have applications in the fields of environmental protection and medical science.

Highlights

Recyclable titanium dioxide (TiO2)-based photocatalytic self-cleaning films (SCFs) having a bilayer structure were prepared and assessed
The SCF prepared in this work had a double-layer structure (Fig. 1a) with an upper self-cleaning layer consisting of ABS fibers having embedded TiO2 nanoparticles
The underlying substrate layer comprised a mixture of ABS and PVA fibers that provided mechanical strength to the SCF and allowed the material to be applied to various surfaces and later peeled off

Summary

Introduction

Recyclable titanium dioxide (TiO2)-based photocatalytic self-cleaning films (SCFs) having a bilayer structure were prepared and assessed. The fabrication of photocatalytic hydrophilic self-cleaning films (SCFs) using electrostatic spinning process with TiO2 nanoparticles as photocatalytic substances shows promise. An ABS/TiO2 fiber film prepared on the substrate layer provided the self-cleaning ability.

Results

Conclusion