This study presents the successful fabrication of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)-graphene oxide (GO)/black titanium dioxide (black-TiO2) composite nanofibers via electrospinning, aiming to develop a highly efficient, reusable, and flexible photocatalytic system for the degradation of organic dyes in aqueous environments. The black-TiO2 nanoparticles were synthesized through a simple hydrogenation process of anatase TiO2, resulting in a significant reduction in band gap energy—from 3.0 eV for pristine anatase to approximately 1.54 eV—enabling strong visible light absorption. Graphene oxide was prepared using a modified Hummers method, which enhances electron transfer capability and provides abundant active sites for catalytic reactions.
The structural and morphological properties of the synthesized materials were thoroughly investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). XRD analysis confirmed the formation of a single-phase structure with no secondary phases present. HRTEM images revealed irregular particle aggregates with surface distortions indicative of lattice defects such as oxygen vacancies and Ti³⁺ species, which are responsible for the enhanced visible-light activity. FTIR spectra confirmed the presence of functional groups associated with both GO (C=O, C–OH, C–O–C) and PVDF (CF₂ bending, rocking vibrations), as well as interactions between GO and PVDF chains that promote the formation of the β-phase—a polar crystalline form known for its superior piezoelectric and dielectric properties.
Electrospinning parameters were optimized to produce uniform, bead-free nanofibers with average diameters ranging from 358 nm (PVDF-GO) to 480 nm (pure PVDF). The addition of GO significantly altered the crystallinity and fiber morphology, promoting the transformation from α- to β-phase due to strong interfacial interactions between fluorine atoms in PVDF and oxygen-containing groups in GO. After crosslinking with glutaraldehyde and loading with black-TiO2 nanoparticles (5–20 mg), the resulting composite nanofiber membranes exhibited excellent mechanical stability and flexibility, suitable for continuous flow applications.Anti-IL-25 Antibody Epigenetics
Photocatalytic performance was evaluated under visible light irradiation using malachite green (MG) and methylene blue (MB) as model pollutants.66575-29-9 SMILES The results demonstrated that the maximum degradation efficiency reached 74% for MG at pH 8 and 39% for MB at pH 10 after 30 minutes of exposure.PMID:35223219 The optimal catalyst dose was found to be 20 mg per 50 mL of dye solution. Degradation kinetics followed pseudo-first-order behavior, and the decline in dye concentration was attributed to the generation of hydroxyl radicals (•OH) via redox reactions initiated by photogenerated electron-hole pairs. These reactive species efficiently oxidize dye molecules into harmless byproducts such as CO₂ and H₂O.
Notably, the composite membrane could be reused over multiple cycles without significant loss in performance, highlighting its practical potential for sustainable wastewater treatment. The synergistic effects between PVDF’s structural integrity, GO’s high conductivity, and black-TiO2’s narrow band gap collectively enhance charge separation and extend the lifetime of photogenerated carriers, thereby improving overall photocatalytic efficiency.
In conclusion, this work demonstrates a promising strategy for designing advanced nanofiber-based photocatalysts capable of harnessing visible light for environmental remediation. The developed PVDF-GO/black-TiO2 composite offers a scalable, stable, and eco-friendly solution for removing persistent dye pollutants from industrial effluents, contributing to cleaner water resources and sustainable development goals.MedChemExpress (MCE) offers a wide range of high-quality research chemicals and biochemicals (novel life-science reagents, reference compounds and natural compounds) for scientific use. We have professionally experienced and friendly staff to meet your needs. We are a competent and trustworthy partner for your research and scientific projects.Related websites: https://www.medchemexpress.com
