TiO2 nanorods doped with g-C3N4 – Polyethylene composite coating for self-cleaning applications

Paula Osorio-Vargas, Daniel Pais-Ospina, Diego A. Marin-Silva, Adriana Pinotti, Laura Damonte, Antonela Cánneva, Jorge A. Donadelli, Luiz Pereira da Costa, Luis R. Pizzio, Cecilia C. Torres, Cristian H. Campos, Julián A. Rengifo-Herrera

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Visible-light-absorbing graphitic carbon nitride–TiO2 nanorod nanomaterials (g-C3N4@TiO2NR) were successfully immobilized using a one-step UVA-induced photocatalytic procedure on commercially obtained flexible low-density polyethylene (LDPE) films. Self-cleaning properties were evaluated in solid–liquid and solid–gas phases using malachite green as a model molecule under UV-A and visible light irradiation. For comparison purpose, LDPE films containing P25 TiO2 nanoparticles was prepared using the same synthetic strategy (P25/LDPE). Among the fabricated films, the g-C3N4@TiO2NR/LDPE films exhibited the highest photocatalytic activity both in solid–liquid and solid–gas phases after 120 min of visible light irradiation (λ > 455 nm) removing efficiently malachite green stains probably due to the attack of photoinduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as singlet oxygen (1O2), hydroxyl radical (OH) and superoxide anion radical (O2−•). Furthermore, the g-C3N4@TiO2NR/LDPE films retained their visible-light-photoinduced photocatalytic properties after four reuse cycles. The g-C3N4@TiO2NR/LDPE films also exhibited significant visible-light-photoinduced hydrophilicity. The high visible-light-photoinduced photocatalytic capacity of g-C3N4@TiO2NR/LDPE films was found to be related to the textural and electronic properties, superior visible-light absorption, and surface roughness of the films.

Original languageEnglish
Article number126356
JournalMaterials Chemistry and Physics
Volume288
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Sept 2022

Keywords

  • Photoinduced composites synthesis
  • Self-cleaning materials
  • TiO@g-CN composites
  • Visible-light-responsive materials

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Materials Science(all)
  • Condensed Matter Physics

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