Nontoxic Cross-Linked Graphitic Carbon Nitride-Alginate-Based Biodegradable Transparent Films for UV and High-Energy Blue Light Shielding

Abstract

Flexible, transparent, and biodegradable films that can shield dangerous UV and high-energy blue light (HEBL) are high in demand to satisfy the ever-increasing expectations for environmental sustainability. To achieve this goal, biopolymer alginate is an excellent choice that has an outstanding film-forming ability. However, alginate has the limitation of poor UV and HEBL blocking ability. Thus, in this study, UV and HEBL blocker graphitic carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4 ) was incorporated in alginate films to enhance the compatibility, applicability, and durability. The ATR-FTIR, TGA, DTG, and FE-SEM results indicated that the composite film formation was due to hydrogen bonding, and the composite films revealed synergistic properties of alginate and g-C 3 N 4 . Though the incorporation of g-C 3 N 4 in films enhanced the mechanical and thermal stabilities of the films, the films were still flexible. The UV−visible transmittance characterization confirmed that the prepared films could block both UV and HEBL radiation while maintaining transparency in visible regions. In experiments involving only 2 wt % g-C 3 N 4 , nearly 90% of UV (200−400 nm) and 95% of HEBL (400−450 nm) irradiation were blocked. Additionally, the inclusion of g-C 3 N 4 also facilitated the biodegradation process of composite films. Moreover, after 6 months, the composite films exhibited excellent UV and HEBL shielding with excellent mechanical durability.

Graphene-Oxide-Infused Marine Biopolymers: Layer-by-Layer Assembled Nanocomposite Packaging for Prolonged Fresh-Cut Apple Preservation

“…When 5% (w/w) GO was added, the (CMC/SA) 15 @GO 5 film effectively blocked over 94% of UVA and 100% of UVB and UVC, while the (CMC/SA) 19 @GO 5 film completely blocked UVA. This is attributed to the conjugated aromatic structure and planar 2D structure of GO, which absorb and reflect most UV radiation …”

“…This is attributed to the conjugated aromatic structure and planar 2D structure of GO, which absorb and reflect most UV radiation. 53 Furthermore, the thermal stability of the (CMC/SA) n @GO x films was evaluated using TGA. The findings revealed three distinct thermal degradation stages within the temperature range of 30−600 °C (Figure 5C).…”

Cellulose acetate-based membrane for wastewater treatment—A state-of-the-art review

“…In these cases, these leached nanoparticles may create secondary pollution, and some cases pose health risk to the aquatic environment. 340,345 For this reason, during selection, the nanoparticle leaching rate and their cytotoxicity effect on the local environment should be carefully analyzed. A recent study showed that introducing a polishing step before membrane (nanoparticle incorporated) application for water reclamation can remove potentially leached nanoparticles.…”

Bioionic Liquid-Assisted Transparent Sodium Alginate-κ-Carrageenan-Lignin Composite Films with Excellent Ultraviolet Shielding, Antioxidant, and Antibacterial Properties

“…Within the solar spectrum, UV radiation spans a wavelength range of 200−400 nm, further categorized into UV−A (320−400 nm, known as blacklight UV), UV−B (280−320 nm, associated with health hazards), and UV−C (200−280 nm, with germicidal properties). 1 UV radiation is notorious for its ability to cause photodegradation in polymers by activating the chromophores. 2 In this context, there is considerable attention directed toward UV protective materials, especially in the development of optically transparent and UV-shielding polymeric composites.…”

“…Ultraviolet (UV) light is renowned for its adverse impact on human health and its capacity to induce the photodegradation of organic materials. Within the solar spectrum, UV radiation spans a wavelength range of 200–400 nm, further categorized into UV–A (320–400 nm, known as blacklight UV), UV–B (280–320 nm, associated with health hazards), and UV–C (200–280 nm, with germicidal properties) . UV radiation is notorious for its ability to cause photodegradation in polymers by activating the chromophores .…”