Fabrication of Nanoparticle/Polymer Composite Photocatalytic Membrane for Domestic Sewage In Situ Treatment

Abstract

Photocatalytic technology using semiconductor catalysts is a promising candidate for light-polluted water treatment. In the past decades, TiO2-related nanomaterials and photocatalytic devices have been applied for sewage ex-situ treatment. However, in situ photocatalytic technology using functional membranes is still needed for many large-scale outdoor scenarios. This work successfully fabricated a robust reusable photocatalytic membrane by firmly immobilizing TiO2 nanoparticles on polymer membranes, supported by various plastic substrates, through an industrial membrane blowing process. The as-fabricated photocatalytic membrane was fabricated by all low-cost and eco-friendly commercial materials and exhibited stable photocatalytic performance in domestic sewage in situ treatment in natural conditions. This work is expected to promote the photocatalytic membrane for practical application.

Keywords

• nanoparticle
• polymer
• photocatalysis
• membrane