Low cost structured photocatalysts from stereolithography of colorless pharmaceutical glass

Abstract

The present study is dedicated to the manufacturing of highly porous triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) constructs, fabricated from recycled end of life borosilicate pharmaceutical glass employing masked stereolithography. The structures were prepared from a simple blend of photocurable resin with glass powder (<38 µm). The gyroid model was selected with the porosity varying from 75 to 90%. Hot stage microscopy was applied to examine the glass sintering behaviour to improve the translucency of the 3D scaffolds. The obtained 3D scaffolds were dip-coated with TiO2 and further utilized for the photocatalytic degradation of dyes. The photocatalytic efficiency of the 3D scaffolds was evaluated by the degradation of methylene blue in water. It was found that 3D scaffolds coated with TiO2 showed a 40% higher degradation rate in comparison to bare 3D scaffolds under UV irradiation, which determines the significant role of TiO2 in the organic dye degradation. The better efficiency of 3D scaffolds coated with TiO2, compared with uncoated BSG 3D scaffolds is attributed to a better recombination rate, and the migration of electrons to the surface of the scaffold, where the charges participate in the photodecomposition of MB dye. The efficiency of the scaffolds was assessed for five consecutive cycles. The degradation efficiency after the fifth cycle was 75%, confirming the stability of the system.