Enhanced photocatalytic activity of TiO2-incorporated nanofiber membrane by oxygen plasma treatment

• DOI: 10.1016/j.tsf.2011.04.051
• Publication Date: 2011-05-03T03:16:40Z
• Authors: S.Y. Park; H.U. Lee; K. Ahn; J.P. Kim; J.S. Jin; J. Lee; S.Y. Jeong; C.R. Cho
• Keywords: Electrospinning; Degradation

Abstract In this paper, we report on the high-performance photocatalysis of polymeric TiO 2 membranes modified by oxygen plasma treatment for water purification. TiO 2 -nanopowder-incorporated poly e-caprolactone (PCL/TiO 2 ; PT) nanofibers were prepared by electrospinning at various concentrations of TiO 2 (1, 3, 5, and 7 wt.%) and then treated by atmospheric plasma with oxygen gas (OAP). As the TiO 2 content increased, the surface roughness and photocatalytic efficiency of the nanofibers increased. The tensile strength of the membranes increased until the TiO 2 content reached 3 wt.% but led to a degradation of the mechanical property at higher concentrations owing to significant agglomeration of TiO 2 . The hydrophilicity of OAP membranes increased as the TiO 2 nanopowders were exposed and the production of polar species was induced at the surface of the PT nanofibers. The OAP-PT membranes were observed to enhance the degradation of harmful organics. The results indicate that OAP-PT membranes are useful photocatalysts for purifying water.