Reduction of Recombination Processes in PVC Photocatalytic Membranes Modified with Green Prepared Nanoparticles

Abstract

The enhanced photocatalytic membranes were prepared by green synthesized Tin dioxide (SnO2) and manganese dioxide (MnO2) nanoparticles (NPs) blended with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) polymeric solution to produce a photocatalytic flat sheet membrane that was used in wastewater treatment. The surface and morphological structure of the produced membranes were studied using atomic force microscopy (AFM), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The elemental compositions and chemical bonding of the membranes were examined using Raman and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). A sessile-drop approach was used to look at the membrane surface's hydrophilicity. Images of FESEM, AFM, Raman spectra, and FTIR analysis proved the existence of NPs on membrane surfaces. The modified membrane's hydrophilicity was significantly improved after NPs addition. Furthermore, Humic acid removal under darkness was enhanced for the modified membrane than the blank PVC. At the same time, it enhanced from 81% to 92, 100, and 99% for SnO2, MnO2, and SnO2/MnO2 respectively. The photocatalytic ability of the Photocatalytic membranes was examined in sunlight where it was found to be enhanced when exposed to sunlight as compared to when kept in the dark. The prepared membranes exhibited an enhancement removal performance. Both the water flux and the rejection were enhanced in sunlight. The SnO2/MnO2 photocatalytic membrane exhibited a better removal ability and good water flux. The potential utility of our research lies in its application within the water treatment industry, specifically as an effective technique for modifying PVC membranes.