Bacterial cellulose–SiO2@TiO2 organic–inorganic hybrid membranes with self-cleaning properties

• Published in: Journal of sol-gel science and technology Vol. 89; no. 1; pp. 2 - 11
• Main Authors: Monteiro, A. S., Domeneguetti, R. R., Wong Chi Man, M., Barud, H. S., Teixeira-Neto, E., Ribeiro, S. J. L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Springer US 01-01-2019; Springer Nature B.V; Springer Verlag
• Subjects: Anatase; Brief Communication: Functional coatings; Catalytic activity; Cellulose; Ceramics; Chemical Sciences; Chemistry and Materials Science; Cleaning; Composites; Dip coatings; Glass; High resistance; Immersion coating; Inorganic Chemistry; Material chemistry; Materials Science; Membranes; membranes (including deposition techniques); Nanocomposites; Nanotechnology; Natural Materials; Optical and Electronic Materials; Organic chemistry; Photocatalysis; Properties (attributes); Raman spectra; Scanning electron microscopy; Silicon dioxide; Sol-gel processes; Spin coating; thin films; Titanium dioxide; Photocatalytic activity; @TiO; Dip-coating; SiO; Functional bacterial cellulose membrane; Spin-coating; Self-cleaning properties; (anatase) nanocomposites
• ISSN: 0928-0707; 1573-4846
• DOI: 10.1007/s10971-018-4744-5

This work reports the preparation of bacterial cellulose (BC) membranes with self-cleaning properties. SiO
2
@TiO
2
(anatase) spherical nanocomposites (around 50 nm in diameter) were prepared by sol–gel process and were successfully immobilized into the BC membrane, in wet and dry states, by post-grafting method, following two different methodologies: dip-coating and spin-coating. Characterization techniques included Raman scattering, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopies (EDS), thermogravimetric analyses (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The photocatalytic activity was higher in the BC membrane in the wet state, presenting a good self-cleaning performance (fast methyl violet 2B dye decomposition in 30 min). The functional BC membranes with self-cleaning properties also presented high resistance to washing, high chemical stability, and the original features (color and texture) were maintained.
Highlights
Development of novel functional bacterial cellulose membranes with self-cleaning properties.
Decomposition of methyl violet 2B dye in solution through a photocatalytic process.
High resistance to washing (self-cleaning performance).
Original features of the membranes (color and texture) maintained.
Significant reduction of cleaning actions, allowing a reduction in costs and greater durability of the bacterial cellulose membrane.
Environmentally friendly cellulose membrane.