Solution mixing preparation of PVDF/ZnO polymeric composite films engineered for heterogeneous photocatalysis

Abstract

ABSTRACTDespite the efforts of the scientific community, carrying out photocatalyst immobilization so that industrial application of photocatalysis becomes economically feasible is still a challenge to be overcome. In this work, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)/ZnO composites were prepared by solution mixing based on solid knowledge of membrane technology and with the help of a powerful experimental design for systematic evaluation of the interaction among variables. A strategy for variable screening was used, followed by a complete evaluation at two levels, leading to predictive models. As a result, photocatalyst amount, pore agent concentration, and wet thickness were the most significant in the target molecule discoloration. With this, it was possible to obtain a 40 and 186% enhancement in photocatalytic efficiency compared to previous results and simple photolysis, respectively. Finally, the samples were characterized by FTIR‐ATR, XRD, and SEM and chemical, crystalline and morphological differences were observed both with nanoparticle and pore agent incorporation. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48417.