Addition Of TiO2 Research Articles

Synergistic effects of nano titanium dioxide and waste glass powder on the mechanical and durability properties of concrete.

This study investigates the combined use of waste glass powder and nano titanium dioxide (TiO2) on the mechanical and durability properties of the concrete. Waste glass being one of the major municipal wastes going into the landfill sites can be used as a pozzolanic material in the concrete, in this study cement is replaced with waste glass powder by 10% along with nano TiO2, it is used as an addition to cementitious material by 0.5%, 1% and 1.5%. Fresh and mechanical properties like setting time, workability, compressive strength and flexural strength is evaluated along with durability properties such as sorptivity, acid, sulphate and chloride attacks, elevated temperature test. Scanning electron microscope is done to understand the morphology of the blended concrete. Combined use of glass powder and nano TiO2 is found beneficial in mechanical and durability parameters whereas addition of nano TiO2 has resulted in decreased workability of the concrete.

Polysulfone (Psf) Mixed Matrix Membrane incorporating Titanium Dioxide (TiO2)/Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) for the removal of copper

The global increasing contamination of water resources with toxic metals such as copper (Cu), poses severe threats to human health and aqueous ecosystems. Therefore, the ultrafiltration mixed matrix membranes (UF MMMs) possess an applicable approach for the removal of copper ions. This novel fabricated technology can be applied in various wastewater treatment systems for the removal of heavy metals, especially copper. MMMs were fabricated by blending polysulfone (Psf) with additives into the dope solution via the phase inversion method by incorporating titanium dioxide (TiO2) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) in Psf MMMs. Seven Psf MMMs samples labelled M0 to M6, each with its own formulation, were prepared and tested for density, porosity, and degree of Cu retention. MMMs were further characterized via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), which revealed the range of the IR spectrum of Psf polymer membrane from 1319 cm-1 to 1600 cm-1, 1650 cm-1 to 3400 cm-1 for PEG, and 800 cm-1 to 3600 cm-1 for TiO2 NPs. As for the scanning electron microscopy (SEM), M6 (Psf/TiO2/PEG 6000) was found to be the most dense and highest porous morphology asymmetric Psf MMM. The retained percentage of Cu and flux for M6 attained the highest value of 80.3% and 136.99 L/m2 .h respectively, whereas for the neat Psf membrane, M0 exhibited the lowest retained percentage of Cu and flux, about 25.8% and 61.64 L/m2.h. The inclusion of pore former and additives has shown an improvement of 54.5% in the copper rejection. Moreover, M6 displayed the highest antifouling properties compared to other Psf MMMSs. This study proves that PEG and TiO2 additives have significant potential to improve membrane performance due to the highest percentage of Cu retained on the surface of the membrane as adsorptive separation on Psf MMMs.

Investigating the Effect of UV Irradiation and TiO2 Addition on Heavy Metal Adsorption by Inverse Vulcanized Sulfur Polymers.

Organomercury contamination in wastewater is a longstanding global concern, prompting the establishment of the Mi-namata Convention in 2013, following the tragic Minamata Bay incident in Japan. Despite numerous proposed solutions, the development of an affordable and convenient adsorbent remains a challenge. Sulfur, being one of the most abundant elements globally, has shown promise in mercury adsorption in previous research. This study delves into the influence of light exposure on the process of mercury adsorption. Our findings reveal that exposure to UV-A wavelengths (315 nm - 400 nm), in combination with the addition of titanium dioxide (TiO2), enhances the adsorption capacity of a sulfur-rich polymer. The maximum observed adsorption capacity reached 47 mg/g under these conditions. Notably, the presence of TiO2 and UV exposure did not significantly impact the adsorption of inorganic mercury and gold.

Synthesis, Magnetic, and Photocatalytic Activity of Polypyrrole-Based TiO2–Fe Catalyst for Wastewater Treatment

The primary aim of this study is to investigate the degradation efficacy of the Ppy/TiO2-Fe photocatalyst for MB dye in an aqueous solution. Firstly, the direct addition of TiO2 and Fe was done to prepare Ppy/TiO2-Fe photocatalyst. Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy, XRD, SEM, BET surface area analysis, and magnetization tests established the formation of the Ppy/TiO2-Fe photocatalyst. The crystallite sizes of TiO2, Fe-TiO2, and Ppy/TiO2-Fe photocatalyst were estimated to be 24.99 nm, 21.94 nm, and 21.84 nm, respectively. For the synthesis confirmation, the FTIR spectrum confirmed the existence of Ti-O, Fe-O, and Ppy-related bonds. While comparing the SEM images, the impact of polypyrrole on the particle shape was observed with less aggregation and increased surface roughness. The VSM analysis revealed that incorporating polypyrrole (Ppy) into Fe-TiO2 significantly enhances its magnetic properties, with Ppy/TiO2-Fe exhibiting superparamagnetic behavior, characterized by a higher saturation magnetization (Ms) of 33.11 emu/g and a lower coercivity (Hc) of 0.160 Oe, compared to Fe-TiO2’s Ms of 1.09 emu/g and Hc of 341.39 Oe. The N2 sorption desorption, with a specific surface area of 2.25 × 102 m2/g, is beneficial for photocatalytic activity. The concentration of dye, amount of catalyst, pH, and temperature were studied to evaluate the photocatalytic efficiency of the synthesized Ppy/TiO2-Fe photocatalyst under different conditions. The findings revealed a degradation efficiency of 91.92%. The degradation rate reached 91.92% under optimal conditions within 120 min and could be fitted well by first-order kinetics. The photocatalytic efficiency was also evaluated for the scavenger, and the concentration of H2O2 and the reusability of the catalyst were demonstrated. Based on the observed results, the Ppy/TiO2-Fe photocatalyst could be applied more effectively and efficiently to photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes in wastewater treatment.

Synergistic and antagonistic interaction between ZDDP and TiO2 nanoparticles under boundary lubrication

Lubricants are complex mixtures of additives that serve multiple purposes, and these additives must work synergistically at best and at worst, not interfere with each other. In previous research, nanoparticles of TiO2 have demonstrated excellent tribological outcomes when used singularly as an additive in lubricants. In this study, we have shown that when nanoparticles of TiO2 and ZDDP are used together they act antagonistically by resulting in very high wear rates wherein nanoparticles of TiO2 remove the protective tribofilms from ZDDP as they form on the surface. To further investigate this behavior, we used these additives in alternating sequential order and introduced them at different time points (15 & 30 min) during the one-hour testing. Very synergistic interaction is seen when TiO2 is used first followed by ZDDP wherein the TiO2 reacts with the Fe substrate to form FeTiO3. This layer then serves as a superior surface for Zn-polyphosphates and Ti-phospate tribofilms formed due to the decomposition of ZDDP under tribological conditions. On the other hand, when use of ZDDP is followed by TiO2 we see outcomes that favor the shorter duration of use of ZDDP, however, results are not as effective as former case where TiO2 is followed by ZDDP. The addition of TiO2 earlier in the tribological process assists in the development of more robust complex polyphosphate tribofilms leading to much desirable tribological properties.

Enhanced hydrophobic properties, wear and corrosion resistance of plasma electrolyte oxidation coatings on AZ31B magnesium alloys with addition of TiO2 nanoparticles

Nanocomposite coatings were fabricated on AZ31B magnesium alloy by means of plasma electrolyte oxidation (PEO) with the addition of TiO2 nanoparticles into the alkaline electrolyte, followed by low surface energy modification in the ethanol solution of lauric acid. The dual-layered nanocomposite PEO coatings composed of MgO, Mg2SiO4, anatase-TiO2, rutile-TiO2, and Mg2TiO4 were formed, and the TiO2 nanoparticles incorporated into the PEO coatings via both inertia and reactive modes. Besides, the penetration and adsorption of TiO2 nanoparticles created a distribution gradient in the coating thickness direction. The wear rate of the PEO coatings with TiO2 nanoparticles in 4 g/L was approximately 82 % lower than that of the bare substrate and approximately 39 % lower than that of the PEO coatings without TiO2 addition, respectively. The enhancement in wear resistance was due to the synergistic effect of the lower coefficient of friction (COF), the higher microhardness and the denser microstructure with finer micropores and less microcracks on the coatings than that of the TiO2-free coatings. Besides, the hydrophobic property was enhanced for the low surface energy modified PEO coatings with the addition of TiO2 nanoparticles in the electrolyte. Moreover, a significant enhancement in the corrosion resistance was achieved for the PEO coating with the addition of TiO2 nanoparticles in 4 g/L. It exhibited a higher corrosion inhibition efficiency and a lower corrosion rate than that in other concentrations and without TiO2 addition. The improvement in anti-corrosion property was originated from the formation of phases including TiO2 and Mg2TiO4 in the coating, and denser microstructure with better hydrophobic properties for the PEO coatings with TiO2 nanoparticles in 4 g/L compared with that in other concentrations. Accordingly, the hydrophobic, wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant PEO coatings with TiO2 nanoparticles exhibited significant advantages in the field of Mg alloys protection.

Strengthening of mechanical and tribological properties in CrFeCuMnNi high entropy alloy through dispersion of TiO2 reinforcement via powder metallurgy processes

The present study reports the effect of TiO2 reinforcement on the phase, microstructure, mechanical and tribological properties of CrFeCuMnNi/TiO2 high entropy alloy composites (HEACs) processed by powder metallurgy. The results reveal the formation of single-phase face-centered cubic (FCC) structure after 30 h of milling in the original HEA, while TiO2 peaks in the HEACs indicate uniform distribution. After sintering, multiple phases including FCC, Cr-rich, Cr2O3 were observed. The hardness of HEAs increased from 330±10 to 440±10 HV and compressive yield strength increased from 480 to 760 MPa while scarifying the strain from 43.5 to 21 % with TiO2 content. The addition of TiO2 content slightly reduces the coefficient of friction and specific wear rate decreased by 45.16 % due to increased hardness and formation of stable oxide layer on the worn surface inhibits plastic deformation. The addition of TiO2 reduces the dominance of abrasive and adhesive wear and enhances the strength of HEACs.

Elimination of cracks in Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloy by addition of TiO2 in selective laser melting

7050 aluminium alloy is widely used in aerospace industry due to its excellent mechanical properties. 7050 aluminium alloy belongs to Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloy. Due to the formation of cracks in selective laser melting (SLM) forming of Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloys, 7050 aluminium alloy is difficult to be applied to forming and manufacturing in this technological field. In order to solve this critical problem, in this paper, titanium dioxide (TiO2) powder was mixed with 7050 aluminium alloy using ball milling method to achieve the effect of eliminating cracks. The cracks in the specimens completely disappeared when the TiO2 additions were 1.5 wt% and 2 wt%. With the addition of TiO2, the grains gradually changed from coarse columnar crystals to fine equiaxed crystals. Combined with the temperature field simulation, the grain refinement and crack elimination mechanism of TiO2 in SLM forming were analysed. The grain refinement is attributed to the formation of Al3Ti. The crack elimination was attributed to the reduction of the intergranular solid-liquid channel length. The maximum values of tensile strength and elongation of 7050 aluminium alloy formed by SLM are achieved at 2 wt% of TiO2. The values are 389 MPa and 8.8 %. The better mechanical properties were attributed to the synergistic effect of crack elimination, Hall-Petch, and Orowan strengthening. This study provides experimental guidance for the preparation of crack-free 7050 aluminium alloy.

РОЛЬ САСО3 У ФОРМУВАННІ МІЦНІСНИХ І ДЕКОРАТИВНИХ ВЛАСТИВОСТЕЙ ПОРОШКОВОГО ЛУЖНО-АКТИВОВАНОГО ШЛАКОПОРТЛАНДЦЕМЕНТНОГО БЕТОНУ

The article discusses approaches to the formation of compositions of alkali-activated decorative Portland slag cements containing Portland cement type CEM1 5...45% with high performance and decorative properties. The optimization of the compositions of decorative alkali-activated Portland slag cements was carried out using statistical methods for designing experiments. Finely dispersed TiO2 and CaCO3 additives with a whiteness of 90% were used as bleaching components. The alkaline component is sodium metasilicate in the form of a non-hygroscopic powder. The research carried out made it possible to obtain decorative Portland slag cements with a whiteness of 45...77%, which allows them to be used to produce colored cements with a wide range of colors from white to black. It has been established that alkali-active decorative Portland slag cements have an activity of 37...59 MPa at the age of 28 days. All compositions have good hardening dynamics and, based on the strength at the age of 2 days  22...36.6 MPa, they can be classified as fast-hardening. Based on them, it is possible to produce dry construction mixtures. All mortar compositions based on alkali-active decorative Portland slag cements demonstrate fairly high frost resistance  F200. This allows them to be used for the manufacture of products and solutions both for indoor use and when exposed to atmospheric influences without loss of design characteristics and decorative appeal. The inherent shrinkage strains of decorative alkali-activated Portland slag cements are 0.51...0.61 mm/m, which eliminates cracking and premature destruction of products. The use of the CaCO3 additive is especially effective for controlling the shrinkage deformations. Thus, the CaCO3 additive performs the functions of not only a decorative component, but also a structure-forming component. Concrete and mortar mixtures can be used to produce decorative products using the traditional method, extrusion, 3D printing on construction printers, etc. And not too long setting times and a rapid increase in strength make it possible to produce products without thermal treatment or with minimal consumption of thermal energy.

An experimental investigation of the impacts of titanium dioxide (TiO2) and ethanol on performance and emission characteristics on diesel engines run with castor Biodiesel ethanol blended fuel

Investigating the impact of ethanol and TiO2 on the performance and emission characteristics of diesel engines running on a blend of ethanol and castor biodiesel is the primary goal of this study. The nanoparticles of ethanol, biodiesel, and TiO2 diesel fuel were combined at several concentrations. Diesel, B10, B20, B30, B10E10T, B20E10T, B30E10T, B10E20T, B20E20T, and B30E20T were among the various fuels that were investigated. The physiochemical properties of all the sample fuels were assessed, including density, pour point, cloud point, fire point, flash point, and kinematic viscosity. Following this, other engine performance indicators, such as torque, power, and fuel-consumption, were examined. Studies were also carried out on the properties of emissions, including CO, CO2, HC, and NO. Peak braking power and engine torque were found for each fuel under investigation at around 2750 and 2500 rpm, respectively. The addition reduced the brake-specific fuel consumption for B10E20T by 7.41 % while increasing the braking engine's torque and power by 8.64 and 3.86 %, respectively, in compared to blends without the TiO2 additions. When compared to diesel, the exhaust emission data without the addition of TiO2 revealed a decrease in CO and HC emissions but an increase in CO2 and NO emissions. On the other hand, using ethanol blend reduced NO emissions. According to the overall findings, diesel engine performance, combustion characteristics, and exhaust gas emissions were enhanced averagely by 7.43 % when a certain ratio of ethanol, biodiesel, and TiO2 additives (B10E20 + 50 ppm) was used.

Enhanced Water Resistance of TiO2-GO-SMS-Modified Soil Composite for Use as a Repair Material in Earthen Sites.

Most earthen sites are located in open environments eroded by wind and rain, resulting in spalling and cracking caused by shrinkage due to constant water absorption and loss. Together, these issues seriously affect the stability of such sites. Gypsum-lime-modified soil offers relatively strong mechanical properties but poor water resistance. If such soil becomes damp or immersed in water, its strength is significantly reduced, making it unviable for use as a material in the preparation of earthen sites. In this study, we achieved the composite addition of a certain amount of sodium methyl silicate (SMS), titanium dioxide (TiO2), and graphene oxide (GO) into gypsum-lime-modified soil and analyzed the microstructural evolution of the composite-modified soil using characterization methods such as XRD, SEM, and EDS. A comparative study was conducted on changes in the mechanical properties of the composite-modified soil and original soil before and after immersion using water erosion, unconfined compression (UCS), and unconsolidated undrained (UU) triaxial compression tests. These analyses revealed the micro-mechanisms for improving the waterproof performance of the composite-modified soil. The results showed that the addition of SMS, TiO2, and GO did not change the crystal structure or composition of the original soil. In addition, TiO2 and GO were evenly distributed between the modified soil particles, playing a positive role in filling and stabilizing the structure of the modified soil. After being immersed in water for one hour, the original soil experienced structural instability leading to collapse. While the water absorption rate of the composite-modified soil was only 0.84%, its unconfined compressive strength was 4.88 MPa (the strength retention rate before and after immersion was as high as 93.1%), and the shear strength was 614 kPa (the strength retention rate before and after immersion was as high as 96.7%).

Preparation and characterization of a multifunctional film with excellent UV shielding, antibacterial and antioxidant capabilities containing cinnamaldehyde and titanium dioxide (TiO2)

AbstractSoy protein isolated (SPI) have a wide application in the food packaging, but their water resistance, mechanical properties and antibacterial properties are not ideal for directly use. In our study, we developed a series of SPI composite films loaded with cinnamaldehyde and titanium dioxide (TiO2). X‐ray diffraction (XRD), UV scanning spectra (UV) and spectro colorimeter were applied to indicate the structure of films. The incorporation of TiO2 (0.5%) caused a subsequent effect on the tensile property, UV blocking properties and water vapor properties (WVP). On the other hand, SPI film composed with a constant amount of TiO2 and different concentration of cinnamaldehyde showed an excellent synergistic effect to improve the tensile property, moisture content, UV blocking properties, water vapor properties and morphological characteristics. Furthermore, the composite films exhibited superior antibacterial activity when tested against both S. aureus and E. coli. The microstructure of the composite film become heterogeneous and rough after addition of TiO2 and cinnamaldehyde compare to control film. The findings of the present study may facilitate a re‐evaluation of the potential of using multiple compounds to prepare active edible films.

Experimental, simulation, and theoretical investigations of gamma and neutron shielding characteristics for reinforced with boron carbide and titanium oxide composites

This study investigates the radiation shielding properties of composites containing polyester resin, boron carbide and titanium oxide in varying proportions. The radiation transmittance of the produced composites was measured using radioactive sources 241Am, 137Cs, 133Ba, 60Co, and 22Na across a photon energy range of 59.5 keV–1332.5 keV. To analyze radiation permeability, experimental geometry was simulated using Monte Carlo-based computer codes Monte Carlo N-Particle (MCNP), Particle and Heavy Ion Transport code System (PHITS) and FLUktuierende KAskade or Fluctuating Cascade (FLUKA), and the experimental data were compared with simulation results and theoretical data obtained from WINXCOM. The findings demonstrated a high degree of consistency between experimental, simulation, and theoretical results. Notably, the BCTiO50 sample, which included a 50% addition of TiO2, emerged as the most effective in photon radiation shielding. In addition to gamma shielding, the neutron shielding properties of the produced composites were evaluated using the FLUKA code, revealing that the BCTiO0 sample, with the highest percentage of boron, provided the best neutron shielding. This analysis included composites with decreasing boron carbide content by 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% by weight, each replaced with titanium oxide, showcasing the potential applications of these polymer composites in radiation shielding.

Simultaneous effect of microwave sintering and TiO2 addition on sinterability, mechanical properties, and scratch resistance of zirconia toughened alumina ceramics

This paper delves into the transformative impact of varying titanium dioxide (TiO2) content on the sinterability, physical, and mechanical properties, as well as scratch behavior, of zirconia-toughened alumina (ZTA) ceramic composites. By adjusting TiO2 content from 0 wt% to 5 wt% and employing advanced microwave sintering at 1150 °C, the study aims to lower the sintering temperature of ZTA. Microwave sintering, known for its efficiency and rapid processing, enables significant enhancements in material properties at reduced temperatures. Notably, incorporating TiO2 into ZTA yields remarkable improvements in physical and mechanical attributes, with the optimal TiO2 content determined to be 3 wt%. At this concentration, the composite achieves exceptional properties: a relative density of ∼99 %, microhardness of ∼2002 HV, and an indentation fracture toughness of ∼6.13 MPa m0.5. These enhancements represent increases of over 120 % in hardness and 61 % in toughness compared to TiO2-free ZTA. Additionally, the highest scratch resistance is observed at 3 wt% TiO2, evidenced by a minimal scratch depth of ∼7.53 μm. However, exceeding the 3 wt% solubility limit results in the formation of secondary phases, such as tialite (Al2TiO5) and zirconium titanate (ZrTiO4), which degrade the composite's properties. This research underscores the potential of TiO2 doping and microwave sintering to elevate the performance of ZTA ceramics, offering a pathway to superior materials for advanced applications.

Effect of titanium dioxide nanoparticles on the dielectric, thermal, and corrosion resistance properties of polyimide (PI) nanocomposites

In the present study, the effect of varying titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles on the dielectric, thermal, and corrosion characteristics of PI-based composites prepared by spark plasma sintering was investigated. The results obtained revealed that the TiO2 nanoparticles were uniformly dispersed within the PI matrix. Addition of TiO2 into the neat PI markedly reduced its dielectric constant and electrical conductivity by 72.7% and 82.3%, respectively, as well as enhancing its breakdown strength by 16.7% at 8 wt% TiO2 loading. The nanocomposites depict better thermal stability and heat-resistance index characteristics when compared to the PI. Additionally, the produced nanocomposites exhibit improved corrosion resistance than that of the neat PI. The remarkable improvement in the dielectric, thermal stability, and corrosion resistance of the nanocomposites is achieved by better dispersion of the TiO2 particles in the polymer matrix. The enhancement in properties suggests TiO2/PI-based nanocomposites potential for a variety of applications in electrical insulation, thermal management, and harsh environment.

Design and characterization of borosilicate glass modified with TiO2 for enhanced optical and radiation shielding applications

This work investigates the potential of borosilicate glass doped with titanium dioxide (TiO2) for radiation shielding applications. The study explored the impact of varying TiO2 concentrations on the glass structure, optical properties, and radiation shielding effectiveness. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy confirmed the amorphous nature of the glasses. The addition of TiO2 affected the glass network structure, as evidenced by changes in the Raman spectra and density measurements. UV–Vis spectroscopy revealed a red shift in the absorption edge (416–481 nm) and a decrease in the indirect optical band gap (2.91–2.70 eV) with increasing TiO2 content. The refractive index also increased from 2.54 to 3.54 with TiO2 concentration. The mass attenuation coefficient (MAC) and linear attenuation coefficient (LAC) increased significantly with TiO2 addition, indicating enhanced radiation attenuation capability. The inclusion of TiO2 reduced the half-value layer (HVL), tenth-value layer (TVL), and mean free path (MFP), while increasing the effective atomic number (Zeff). The effective electron density (Neff) and effective conductivity (Ceff) showed a slight increase with TiO2 content. Energy build-up factors (EBF and EABF) indicated a higher rate of radiation intensity increase and energy absorption within the glass due to the presence of TiO2. Finally, the incorporation of TiO2 into borosilicate glass offered a promising approach to developing improved optical and radiation shielding glasses.

Effects of Sm2O3 and TiO2 on the performance of MgAl2O4-Si3N4 ceramics for solar thermal absorber in concentrating solar power

Aiming to further improve the properties of novel MgAl2O4-Si3N4 ceramic used as solar thermal absorbing material in concentrating solar power, effects of Sm2O3 and TiO2 on performance of the composites were investigated especially the mechanisms of different additives on microstructure and high temperature stability. The results show that both additives can accelerate sintering, reduce sintering temperature, improve the density and high temperature stability via liquid phase sintering mechanism. Besides, TiO2 can form displacement solid solution with Al2O3 to promote the sintering process. Sm2O3 is more conducive to improving the bending strength due to its function of increasing the length diameter ratio of β-Si3N4. TiO2 is more favorable for improving solar absorption owing to the distinctive absorption spectrum and large number of cation vacancy caused by substitution of Al3+ by Ti4+. MgAl2O4-Si3N4 composites with Sm2O3 and TiO2 additives have better performance than MgAl2O4-Si3N4, Si3N4 and SiC ceramics prepared via the same procedure, which makes it a certain choice for solar thermal absorbing material.

Poly(vinylidene fluoride) membrane design for efficient oil-in-water emulsion separation: Integrating superhydrophilicity, photocatalysis and self-cleaning

To solve the increasingly serious wastewater problems, developing membranes with excellent filtration performance and anti-fouling property has been a research focus. Herein, hydrophilic tannic acid/cysteine/tyrosine@titanium (TA/Cys/Tyr@Ti) double crosslinked coating was constructed on the poly (vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) microfiltration membranes by two-step coating method, while the mineralized titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles were utilized to produce superhydrophilic membranes. The synergistic effect of the multilayered nanostructure and hydrophilic groups enables excellent underwater superoleophobicity and anti-fouling property of modified membranes. The addition of TiO2 provides photocatalytic degradation and self-cleaning properties. The optimized modified membrane (MF-4) showed outstanding oil–water separation potential (emulsion flux of 2760 ± 30 L·m−2·h−1, oil rejection rate of 99.5 ± 0.3 %) and stable recycling filter capacity. Moreover, MF-4 was able to efficiently degrade methylene blue under UV light, which was 99.1 % at 90 min. The flux recovery rate (FRR) was 97.4 % following simulated contamination and regeneration with bovine serum albumin. After UV irradiation, the FRR appeared to be significantly enhanced, proving its great anti-fouling and self-cleaning properties. This modified membranes with superhydrophilic and self-cleaning properties have great application potential in oily wastewater and achieving automatic operation of wastewater treatment.

Physical chitosan hydrogels loaded with TiO2 nanoparticles/resveratrol hydroalcoholic extract: Hemocompatibility, swelling, microstructural, and EDX mapping analysis

Physical hydrogels produced by chitosan low (LCh) and medium molecular weight (MCh) were loaded with TiO2 nanoparticles (TiO2NPs) and TiO2 nanoparticles loaded with resveratrol extract (Polygonum cuspidatum) (TiO2NPsRes). Equilibrium water content, EDX mapping analysis, and hemocompatibility of chitosan hydrogels were evaluated. Chitosan hydrogels preserved their porous structure, displaying mean pore size between 111.7 and 139 µm. The equilibrium water content of the physical chitosan hydrogels reached values of 24 times their mass in distilled water, decreasing with the addition of TiO2. The EDX analysis corroborated that chitosan hydrogels displayed high titanium concentration (8.8–9.5 % w/w), while resveratrol extract reduced the load of titanium in the hydrogels (0.2 and 2.1 % w/w). The hemocompatibility of hydrogels was suitable with hemolytic values as low as 2.1 and 3.1 %. Physical chitosan hydrogels loaded with TiO2 and TiO2Res can be candidates for biomaterials in biomedical applications.

In-situ grown columnar mullite reinforced SiC porous ceramic membrane support with excellent mechanical performance and corrosion resistance: Using TiO2 as the key to form columnar mullite

In this study, in-situ growth of columnar mullite reinforced silicon carbide porous membrane supports were prepared, and the addition of TiO2 helped to reduce the sintering temperature for the anisotropic growth of necked columnar mullite crystals. The synthesis of in situ columnar mullite makes reasonable use of the oxidized silica of silicon carbide, and in turn reduces the loss of the silicon carbide porous membrane support under strong corrosive conditions. The material showed a flexural strength of up to 72.95 MPa, and a water flux of 31612.83 L·m−2·h−1·bar−1 when sintered for 2 h in an air environment at 1250 °C. The flexural strength after corrosion in 20 vol% H2SO4 and 1 wt% NaOH solution (90 °C) exceeded 93 %. This shows that this porous silicon carbide ceramic membrane scaffold has potential applications in the field of water treatment under harsh environments.