Photocatalytic Degradation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Water by 3D Printed TiO2 Composites

• DOI: 10.1021/acsestwater.1c00299
• Publication Date: 2021-12-02T19:51:55Z
• Authors: Andrew D. McQueen; Mark L. Ballentine; Lauren R. May; Charles H. Laber; Arit Das; Michael J. Bortner; Alan J. Kennedy
• Keywords: Polylactic Acid; Degradation; 3d printed

Recent progress in developing composites embedded with photocatalysts indicates application for wastewater treatment. However, significant gaps remain effective photocatalyst–polymer use as customizable, deployable, and retrievable structures mitigating environmental contamination. The goal of this study was to generate evaluate the performance 3D printed TiO2 degrading polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) waters affected by contaminated sediment. Photocatalytic were fabricated using polylactic acid (PLA) compounded nanoparticles filament feedstock a benchtop printer. Photocatalysis photolysis experiments conducted controlled chambers under full spectrum light (λ = 280–750 nm). PLA-TiO2 disks increased degradation kinetics (compared photolysis) complex mixture 4- 5-ring PAHs achieving nondetectable concentrations within hours days. PAH removal rate relatively rapid, treatments half-lives ∼6 ∼24 h. After 48 h treatment, both photocatalysis eliminated toxicity Ceriodaphnia dubia. These data indicate potential printable photocatalytic polymers mitigate problematic organic constituents water highlight benefits additive manufacturing rapidly prototype optimize innovative structures.