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

Abstract

Despite 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.

Adsorption and Photocatalytic Mineralization of Bromophenol Blue Dye with TiO2 Modified with Clinoptilolite/Activated Carbon

“…Evidently, the single catalyst load results favored the TiO 2 due to its high active sites and hydroxyl radicals, which entrapped the contaminants [31,32]. This affirms that the photocatalytic nature of TiO 2 , once activated by UV radiations, produces a very reactive species, which led to the degradation of the organic substance in the solutions [29,36].…”

“…As can be seen (Figure 1), the XRD results showed the presence of crystalline phases in phase mixtures, with most of the TiO 2 structures as the anatase phase. Comparatively, the change in the intensities of the TiO 2 peaks to that of A-TiO 2 and Z-TiO 2 signpost the effect that the isomorphic interaction may have occurred during the modification mechanism [32,33]. Notwithstanding, the dominating phase of the TiO 2 pattern in all the samples by the XRD peaks ( Figure 1) within the angle range of 2θ (5 • > 2θ > 70 • ) is anatase corresponding to the JCPDS Files No.21-1272 [33,34].…”

ZnO Polymeric Composite Films for n-Decane Removal from Air Streams in a Continuous Flow NETmix Photoreactor under UVA Light

“…The PVDF and ZnO composition was previously optimized according to the greater porosity and photocatalytic efficiency in the methylene blue discoloration [ 27 ]. Although the processes in liquid and gas phases differ, it is expected that the composition of the selected composite film will provide appropriate photocatalytic activity also in gas phase, due to its largest exposed photocatalyst area when compared with the other evaluated compositions.…”

“…The polymeric PZ, PVZ, and PAZ films were prepared by solution mixing followed by NIPS [ 27 ]. Selected amounts of photocatalyst and 10 mL of DMAc were sonicated for 15 min.…”

Structural and optical investigations on ZnO-PVDF-NiO advanced polymer composites for modern electronic devices

“…Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) synthesis procedures for wide-ranging applications can be selected rendering to the preferred property, porosity, and crystalline phases. The mixing of solution and phase-induced separation is the widely employed method for the production of homogenous and asymmetric porous films [1]. PVDF has excellent hydrophobic and porous polymeric nature and is extensively used in distillation and filtration in form of membranes due to having high thermal and mechanical properties [2].…”