Three-Dimensional-Printed Photocatalytic Sponges Decorated with Mn-Doped ZnO Nanoparticles

The present work reports on the fabrication of high-density polyethylene sponges, decorated with Mn-doped ZnO nanostructures. The sponges were developed utilizing three-dimensional printing technology, while Mn-doped ZnO nanostructures, with varying doping levels, were grown at mild temperatures. The nanostructures were fully characterized by means of scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Raman spectroscopy, revealing the existence of Mn doping. Moreover, their photocatalytic properties were investigated using the degradation/decolorization of a commercially available liquid laundry detergent, based on synthetic, less foaming ingredients, under UV irradiation. The Mn-doped ZnO nanostructures show better photocatalytic activity at higher doping levels. This study demonstrates that it is possible to achieve the adequate degradation of a typical detergent solution in water by means of low-cost and environmentally friendly approaches, while Mn-doped ZnO/HDPE nanostructures are good candidates for real environmental applications.

Automated summary

This study reports on the fabrication of high-density polyethylene sponges decorated with Mn-doped ZnO nanostructures using three-dimensional printing technology. Mn-doped ZnO nanostructures were grown at mild temperatures, and their characterization and photocatalytic properties were investigated. The results indicate that Mn-doped ZnO/HDPE nanostructures show better photocatalytic activity at higher doping levels, making them promising candidates for real environmental applications.