Analysis of Adsorption and Decomposition of Odour and Tar Components in Tobacco Smoke on Non-Woven Fabric-Supported Photocatalysts

Abstract

The release of substantial amounts of toxicologically significant, irritant, and malodourous compounds during the complete combustion of tobacco can generate an unpleasant environment, especially indoors. Herein, we developed non-woven fabric-supported UV- and visible-light-responsive photocatalysts capable of adsorbing and decomposing the odour and tar components of tobacco smoke under irradiation with UV or visible light. The processes of odour component adsorption and subsequent decomposition under irradiation were evaluated in terms of colour changes in the catalytic system and by gas chromatography−mass spectrometry. By considering three different photocatalysts, namely TiO2, Fe(III)-grafted TiO2, and Cu(II)-grafted WO3, we assessed the magnitude of odour and tar component adsorption on the fabric fibres, as well as the decomposition of these species after specific visible light or UV irradiation periods. Considering the expansion of our technology for practical applications, the best results among the three tested materials were obtained for non-woven fabric-supported Fe/TiO2. We believe that our technology can be implemented in the design of interior decoration materials for creating a comfortable environment.

Keywords

• photocatalyst
• tio₂
• fe/tio₂
• cu/wo₃
• non-woven fabric
• adsorption
• tobacco smoke contamination
• third-hand smoke