Photocatalytic Properties of Sisal Fiber Coated with Nano Titanium Dioxide

Abstract

Molded sisal fibers dip-coated with titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles were physico-chemical characterized and tested for the photocatalytic treatment of textile wastewaters. The X-Ray powder diffraction (XRD), X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed uniform TiO2 nanoparticles deposition in the anatase phase with and average diameter of 32 nm. The sisal/TiO2 nanocomposite exhibits a remarkable photodegradation yield of methylene blue solution (92%) maintaining a good efficiency even after 5 washing cycles (70%). The nanocomposite also exhibits a remarkable fast photo-induced hydrophilicity decreasing the contact angle from 140º to 6º after 7 minutes of UV exposure. Sisal fibers revealed to be a promising substrate for TiO2 nanocomposites in wastewater treatment due to its low cost, low density, high specific strength and modulus, no health risk, easy availability and renewability.

Optical Photocatalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue Using Lignocellulose Modified TiO<sub>2</sub>

“…Recently, photocatalytic reactions induced by illumination of electro-conducting nanomaterials in suspension have been shown to be one of the most promising techniques for waste water treatment [11]. Among various electro-conducting photo catalysts nanomaterial's, lignocellulose [12] and its modified with titanium oxide (TiO 2 ) conducting nanomaterial's exhibit promising photocatalytic activities due to their especial environmental friendly behavior, low catalytic cost, unique degradable ability, and high crystalline property and therefore, could be an alternative nanomaterial for environmental application and wastewater treatment [13]. Likewise, lignocellulose modified titanium oxide is the most and selective nanomaterial under ambient condition and has special significant importance, due to their stability, particle size and for their better electron transfer mediator.…”