Photocatalytic degradation of organic compounds by TFC membranes functionalized with Ag/rGO nanocomposites

Todays, semiconductor nanomaterials are used extensively as an effective photocatalyst for organic compound degradation. The main challenge in photodegradation is the separation of nanomaterials from treated solutions. To overcome this problem a novel cross-linked membrane composed of thin-film polyamide/silver/reduced graphene oxide (PA/Ag/rGO) was successfully deposited on the surface of cellulose acetate membrane (CA). The prepared Ag/rGO nanocomposite and Ag/rGO/CA/TFC membranes were characterized using SEM and FTIR. The crystal structure of Ag/rGO was confirmed by XRD. EDX analysis indicates the successful deposition of Ag/rGO nanocomposite in the polyamide thin film (TFC) matrix. The high hydrophilicity of the Ag/rGO/CA/TFC membrane was confirmed by contact angle measurements, which decreased from 76 +/- 5 degrees to 45 +/- 1 upon modification. The prepared membranes were applied for photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye (MB). Within 20 min, the synthesized Ag/rGO nanocomposite achieved fast degradation equilibrium with an efficiency of 98%, Ag/rGO/CA/TFC membranes displayed a 92 % efficiency, showing the remarkable ability for decomposition of MB and excellent efficiency for wastewater treatment. The degradability was greatly boosted with a high efficiency even after four runs. The increased photocatalytic activity of thin film (TFC) membrane-covered Ag/rGO nanocomposites could be useful in energy and environmental applications, as well as a potential choice for superior wastewater dyes removal.

Automated summary

This study presents a novel cross-linked membrane composed of thin-film polyamide/silver/reduced graphene oxide (PA/Ag/rGO) successfully deposited on the surface of cellulose acetate membrane (CA), effectively addressing the challenge of nanomaterial separation in photodegradation. The prepared Ag/rGO/CA/TFC membranes exhibit excellent photocatalytic degradation efficiency for methylene blue dye and show potential for wastewater treatment.