PHOTOCATALYTIC EFFICIENCY OF N-TIO2 APPLIED ON COTTON KNIT – PART 1

Abstract

The main aim of the research work is the development of photocatalytic textiles materials by treating them with TiO2 doped with nitrogen. Also, the research was focused on the nitrogen-doped titanium dioxide (N-TiO2) formulation as homogeneous, stable solution, immobilization of large quantities of N-TiO2 on 100% cotton knit while preserving its genuine properties, minimize the loss of nanoparticles in wastewaters and achieve a high photocatalytic fabrics effects under visible light. The photocatalytic effect was investigated by exposing the materials to ultraviolet and visible light, and the evaluation of exposed and non-exposed fabrics was performed using a spectroscopic method. By using scanning electron microscopy, we investigated the characteristic, morphology and distribution of nanoparticles covering the textile materials, and the presence of Ti and Fe on textile materials was analyzed by X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy and FTIR spectroscopy. The results showed the relatively uniform coating of cotton fibers by particles by using initial and re-used N-TiO2 dispersions. By using additives like polyethylene glycols and wetting agents, the stability of aqueous N-TiO2 is increased. Wetting agents, together with a higher treatment temperature represent important factors contributing to the deposition of increased amount of N-TiO2 particles existing in the dispersion remained after the first treatment of the fabric. Key words: nitrogen-doped TiO2, photocatalysis, cotton fabric, nanoparticles, scanning electron microscopy.

Keywords

• Nitrogen-Doped TiO2
• Photocatalysis
• Cotton Fabric
• Nanoparticles
• Scanning Electron Microscopy