(283g) Synthesis and Characterization of Cobalt Doped TiO2–PVA Nanofibers Catalytic Membrane for Photo Degradation of Congo Red from Aqueous Solution

The development of Co/TiO₂–PVA nanofibers catalytic membrane was investigated. The preparation of Co/TiO₂–PVA composite gel was done by mixing 10% PVA polymer solution and 10% Co/TiO₂ which was pre-synthesized by dry impregnation method. However, the nanofiltration membrane which served as a support was fabricated separately using polyethersulfone polymer.

The Co/TiO₂–PVA solution was loaded in a 25 mL syringe. The charged Co/TiO₂–PVA solution was electrospun and formed nanofibers on the surface of the prepared membrane sheet. The optimum electrospinning parameters were found to be 12 cm for distance to the target; 0.33 mm/min for speed of the syringe; and 20 kV for the high voltage.

The Co/TiO₂–PVA nanofibers membrane were characterized by microscopy, spectroscopy and thermal analysis. SEM micrograph showed nanofibers of size ranging from 110 to 500 nm. The presence of cobalt, titanium and oxygen was confirmed by EDS. TGA revealed that the nanomaterial was thermal stable up to 550 ^oC in nitrogen. The nanofibers membrane was calcined at 300 ^oC for 16 hours in a muffle furnace.

The obtained calcined Co/TiO₂–PVA nanofibrous membrane was tested in the photodegradation of Congo red dye in aqueous solution. The photodegradation was achieved through simulated solar light irradiation and syringe filter prior to UV analysis. It was found that the developed Co/TiO₂–PVA nanofibrous membrane was successful in complete removal of dye at 180 min. The result indicates that our developed Co/TiO₂–PVA nanofibers membrane could be recommended for further heterogeneous catalysis applications