Polyurethane matrix as an oxide@biochar composite supports employed in heterogeneous photocatalysis

Author(s)

dos Santos, Laryssa Cristine Ribeiro ; Bach-Toledo, Larissa ; Lustosa, Glauco Meireles Mascarenhas Morandi ; Bregadiolli, Bruna Andressa ; Bizzo, Waldir Antonio ; Mazon, Talita

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: JOURNAL OF THE INDIAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY; v. 102, n. 2, p. 12-pg., 2025-01-08.

Abstract

The contamination of liquid effluents with toxic and persistent substances has significant socioeconomic and environmental impacts, and the Advanced Oxidative Processes (AOPs) have shown great promise in eliminating and disinfecting wastewater. In this context, we developed a low-cost photolytic system to improve the efficiency of methylene blue (MB) dye removal. Based on biochar derived from sugarcane biomass, the proposed composites were prepared with various metal oxides (TiO2, ZnO, and CuO). Their photocatalytic property was tested in the dispersion of the biochar composite powder in the solution and a biochar composite-based porous matrix built from a commercial polyurethane sponge. High photodegradation rates of the MB dye were observed: 96 % and 98 % for dispersed powder of TiO2@biochar and ZnO@biochar, respectively, in 230 min and at room temperature. By applying a temperature of 50 degrees C, an efficiency of 95 % was achieved within 30 min of the photocatalysis. When immobilized on the polyurethane (PM) matrix, the results for TiO2@biochar and ZnO@biochar showed the same tendency. After three heterogeneous photocatalysis cycles, both materials showed promising results for reuse. Moreover, the main advantage of using the PM matrix is the easy recovery, avoiding significant material loss. These findings reveal a significant interaction between metal oxides and biochar from the sugarcane industry, suggesting its potential use as a semiconductor in heterogeneous photocatalysis. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/07296-2 - CDMF - Center for the Development of Functional Materials
• Grantee: Elson Longo da Silva
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research, Innovation and Dissemination Centers - RIDC