Solvent-Free Process for the Development of Photocatalytic Membranes

Abstract

This work described a new sustainable method for the fabrication of ceramic membranes with high photocatalytic activity, through a simple sol-gel route. The photocatalytic surfaces, prepared at low temperature and under solvent-free conditions, exhibited a narrow pore size distribution and homogeneity without cracks. These surfaces have shown a highly efficient and reproducible behavior for the degradation of methylene blue. Given their characterization results, the microfiltration photocatalytic membranes produced in this study using solvent-free conditions are expected to effectively retain microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi that could then be inactivated by photocatalysis.

Towards a Novel Combined Treatment Approach Using Light-Emitting Diodes and Photocatalytic Ceramic Membranes

“…The use of photocatalytic membranes modified without using organic solvents presents several economic and environmental advantages. In a recent study, photocatalytic surfaces prepared at a low temperature and under solvent-free conditions exhibited a narrow pore size distribution and homogeneity without cracks [17]. These surfaces were characterized in terms of pore size and degradation of methylene blue [17].…”

“…In a recent study, photocatalytic surfaces prepared at a low temperature and under solvent-free conditions exhibited a narrow pore size distribution and homogeneity without cracks [17]. These surfaces were characterized in terms of pore size and degradation of methylene blue [17]. Given their porous structure, the microfiltration photocatalytic membranes produced using solvent-free conditions are expected to effectively retain microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi that could then be inactivated by photocatalysis.…”

High Performance Hybrid Graphene Nano Filters as a Total dissolved solid remover

“…Graphene in synergism with silica nanoparticles Silicon dioxide are the oxides of silicon which is one of the most abundant material in the earth crust exists in many minerals but most commonly as a hard-crystalline mineral known as quartz silicon dioxide can be traced in many crystalline polymorphous forms orthorhombic metastable form exist as α-tridymite, tetragonal metastable form exist as α-cristobalite and keatite, cubic phase exist as βcristobalite whereas monoclinic phase exist as moganite and coesite, hexagonal phase can also be traced in bilayer sheet like structure known as 2D silica. Unlike several other Metal Oxides Silicon dioxide inclines to be toxic and can be hazardous to human and animals if inhaled in high dosages [33] silicon dioxide has numerous optical properties with refractive index calculated at 1.456 of fused quartz silicon dioxide photocatalytic experiments in efficient degradation of methyl orange and rhodamine blue expresses a great potential as photocatalytic agent further modified membranes of silicon dioxide also displayed great efficiencies [34] silicon dioxides remains stable when combined with several other metal oxides and might show synergism. [35] Hofrichter et al, 2010 demonstrations of graphene oxide fabrication with silicon oxide displays a noteworthy favourable photocatalytic activity in presence of Ultra violet radiation Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis showed a successful combination of G-SIO2 microporous structure [21] used a innovative dry solgel method for fabrication of silicon dioxide and graphene and documented improved hydrothermal stability and high degradation of organic dyes rhodamine blue.…”

Catalysis by Hybrid Nanomaterials

“…Diverse hybrid nanomaterials are widely used in membranes [ 13 ], including mixed matrix membranes. Ceramic membranes with enhanced photocatalytic activity prepared using the sol-gel method under solvent-free conditions exhibited efficient degradation of methylene blue.…”