Synthesis of Polystyrene@TiO2 Core–Shell Particles and Their Photocatalytic Activity for the Decomposition of Methylene Blue

Abstract

In this study, we investigated the preparation conditions of polystyrene (PS)@TiO2 core–shell particles and their photocatalytic activity during the decomposition of methylene blue (MB). TiO2 shells were formed on the surfaces of PS particles using the sol–gel method. Homogeneous PS@TiO2 core–shell particles were obtained using an aqueous NH3 solution as the promoter of the sol–gel reaction and stirred at room temperature. This investigation revealed that the temperature and amount of the sol–gel reaction promoter influenced the morphology of the PS@TiO2 core–shell particles. The TiO2 shell thickness of the PS@TiO2 core–shell particles was approximately 5 nm, as observed using transmission electron microscopy. Additionally, Ti elements were detected on the surfaces of the PS@TiO2 core–shell particles using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis. The PS@TiO2 core–shell particles were used in MB decomposition to evaluate their photocatalytic activities. For comparison, we utilized commercial P25 and TiO2 particles prepared using the sol–gel method. The results showed that the PS@TiO2 core–shell particles exhibited higher activity than that of the compared samples.

In Situ Synthesis of Exfoliated Ni(OH)2 Nanosheets and AgNPs-Embedded Functionalized Polyindole-Based Trinary Hybrid Microspheres: A Z-Scheme Photocatalyst for the Sunlight-Driven Degradation of Organic Pollutants with Enhanced Antibacterial Efficacy

“…Hence, a rational design approach is imperative for stabilizing the interfaces between the constituents to develop a hybrid multicomponent material. 11 To date, a few polymer-based hybrid microsphere photocatalysts with controllable dispersion of nanosystems and self-assembly in the desired arrangement have been developed, such as polystyrene@TiO 2 , 12 In 2 O 3 @PANI, 13 and poly-(arylene ether nitrile)/TiO 2 . 14 The key advantages of these photocatalysts can be highlighted by the high magnitude of the interaction between the polymeric support and inorganic fillers, which has a great influence on the narrow distribution by reducing the agglomeration of the compositions and simplifying the formation of a superior catalytic system.…”

Microfluidic Fabrication of Monodisperse and Recyclable TiO2-Poly(ethylene glycol) Diacrylate Hybrid Microgels for Removal of Methylene Blue from Aqueous Medium

“…53 Comparison of Photocatalytic Activity of TiO 2 − P(EGDA) with Previous Studies. Usually, TiO 2 NPs are coated on the surface of a support (polystyrene, 54 Si@Fe, 55 reduced graphene oxide) 56 for photocatalytic degradation of MB due to which the photocatalytic system does not remain stable for their reuse in large number of cycles. Moreover, high light irradiance is needed for the complete degradation of MB.…”