Supported TiO2-ZnWO4 Photocatalytic Nanofibrous Membranes for Flow-Through and Fixed-Bed Reactors

We developed utilization models of supported electrospunTiO(2)-ZnWO4 photocatalytic nanofibrous membranesforair and water purifications using a noncomplex system with facileadaptation for large-scale processes. For this uniquely designed andmultimode catalyst, ZnWO4 is selected for a visible lightactivity, while TiO2 is incorporated to enhance physicalstability. Morphological structures of the TiO2-ZnWO4 membrane are characterized by scanning electron microscopyand scanning electron microscopy-energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy.The distinguished growth of ZnWO4 nanorods at the surfaceof the TiO2-ZnWO4 membrane is revealed by transmissionelectron microscopy (TEM). The relaxation process and charge transfermechanism are proposed following the examination of interface andband gap (2.76 eV) between TiO2 and ZnWO4 particlesvia HR-TEM and UV-vis spectrophotometry. For the gas-phasereaction, a transparent photocatalytic converter is designed to supportthe pleated TiO2-ZnWO4 membrane for toluenedecomposition under visible light. To obtain a crack-free and homogeneousfiber structure of the pleated TiO2-ZnWO4 membrane,1 h of nanofibrous membrane fabrication via a Nanospider machine isrequired. On the other hand, a fiberglass-supported TiO2-ZnWO4 membrane is fabricated as a fixed-bed photocatalystmembrane for methylene blue decomposition under natural sunlight.It is observed that using the calcination temperature at 800 & DEG;Cresults in the formation of metal complexes between fiber glass andthe TiO2-ZnWO4 membrane. The TiO2-ZnWO4 membrane successfully decomposes toluene vaporup to 40% under a continuous-flow circumstance in a borosilicate photocatalyticconverter and 70% for methylene blue in solution within 3 h. Finally,the mechanically robust and supported TiO2-ZnWO4 nanofibrous membranes are proven for an alternate potential in environmentalremediation.

Automated summary

Utilization models of supported electrospun TiO2-ZnWO4 photocatalytic nanofibrous membranes for air and water purifications were developed. The structures of the membrane were characterized by microscopy techniques, revealing the growth of ZnWO4 nanorods. The relaxation process and charge transfer mechanism were proposed, and the membrane showed good performance in decomposing toluene and methylene blue.