A facile preparation of biochar-anchored magnetic photocatalytic PVDF composite for water remediation

Abstract

A magnetic photocatalyst composite was obtained with an environmentally friendly approach. Controlled carbonized wastes that cannot be reused as textile materials with polymeric matrix were added to the polymeric support. The carbonization behaviors and physical properties of polymeric composites were investigated by thermal analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometer, and transmission and scanning electron microscope analysis. Photocatalytic dye removal performances of composites were investigated in batch medium (at 25 °C and 10–150 mg/L methyl orange model pollutant). The FeCl2.4H2O-impregnated waste sample was carbonized at 350 °C, whereas this value is 400 °C for non-chemical activated samples. The biochar gained magnetic feature due to the formation of Fe3O4 crystals confirmed in diffraction patterns. Catalytic Fe-biochar prepared in a single step in a controlled manner stabilized polyvinylidene fluoride structure by phase inversion. The dye removal efficiency of the composite was investigated. Fe-biochar-PVDF composite exhibited 97.4% dye conversion under 254 nm, 30 W ultraviolet light for 30 min. It is a good example for the importance of waste recycling and the production of fine materials under low-cost conditions. Fe-biochar-PVDF composites are promising materials for use as self-cleaning membrane material in filtration systems.