Porous polymer supported Ag-TiO2 as green photocatalyst for degradation of methyl orange

Abstract

Ag doped TiO2 (Ag-TiO2) nanophotocatalyst is prepared and embedded in porous polymer (PP) to achieve recyclability without compromising the catalytic efficiency. Porous polymer is synthesized by co-polymerization of divinylbenzene (DVB) and bismaleimide. Silver doped TiO2/porous polymer composite (PPTS) is prepared through in-situ solvothermal process. X-ray diffraction and Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy is used for structural and elemental analysis, respectively. Particle size and morphology is observed through Transmission Electron Microscope and Scanning Electron Microscope. Degradation ability of PPTS under xenon light as well as natural sunlight is analyzed and compared with bare TiO2 and Ag-TiO2 for degradation of methyl orange and degradation rate constant is also calculated. The mechanism of photocatalysis is explored through ESR analysis which confirmed the production of hydroxyl radicals (OH•) that is responsible for oxidation reactions and consequently degradation of pollutants. The synergistic effect originated from the higher sunlight absorption capability of Ag-TiO2 and higher adsorption of pollutant on the surface of porous polymer offered improved photocatalytic performance. The developed photocatalyst (PPTS) system can easily recovered and its photocatalytic efficiency retained almost 97% up to 10 cycles, which make the developed system a potential and the sustainable solution for pollution abatement.