Electrophoretic deposited nanofilm via one-pot, in-situ process with enhanced sonophotocatalytic performance

Abstract

Nanoparticles deposited on a substrate could be an excellent candidate for environmental and catalytic applications. Herein, TiO2 nanoparticles were prepared by a solvothermal method and then electrophoretically deposited on a substrate via an in-situ one-pot method. The developed process does not need a washing process (after synthesis), neither sintering nor organic binders (for deposition). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), used to analyze the deposited nanofilm, confirms that the layer is crack-free and homogeneous. Then sonophotocatalytic performance of TiO2 nanofilm in the degradation of the organic pollutants (Methylene blue, phenazopyridine) was investigated, since the problem of filtration of the catalyst after the sonophotocatalysis process is eliminated. About 90 % of the organic pollutant was degraded by the sonophotocatalytic process, while the application of ultrasound alone is capable of degrading 14 %, and UV light alone is about 55 %. The synergic effect of ultrasound and UV light was calculated and reported about 59 %. The applicability of the optimized sonophotocalytic system was evaluated by decomposition of a commercial tablet (phenazopyridine), and the efficiency was 84 % in an hour. Most importantly, the reusability of the nanofilm was investigated, and after 4 uses, the nanofilm was able to degrade 84 % of organic pollutants. Owing to its excellent performance, the nanofilm prepared by EPD is suitable for a broad range of environmental and energy applications.