Retracted Article: Photocatalytic membranes prepared by embedding porous Zr-doped SiO2 shell/TiO2 core particles with expanded channels into polyvinylidene fluoride for cleaning wastewater

Abstract

In order to enhance mass transfer based on immobilizing and recycling TiO₂ in the process of photocatalysis, photocatalytic membranes (EC-ZSTP membranes) were prepared by embedding porous Zr-doped SiO₂ shell/TiO₂ core particles with expanded channels (EC-ZSTs) into polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). EC-ZSTs were characterized by TEM, BET, EDX and FT-IR while EC-ZSTP membranes were characterized by SEM. The preparation conditions and recycling of EC-ZSTP membranes were investigated and determined. The photocatalytic activities of EC-ZSTs and EC-ZSTP membranes were studied by the photodegradation of methyl orange solution and oil in wastewater containing oil, respectively. The results show that EC-ZSTs present better photocatalytic properties compared with the particles without expanded channels. In addition, EC-ZSTP membranes also have a better degradation rate due to improved mass transfer. Therefore, EC-ZSTP membranes will possess promising applications in the immobilization and recycling of TiO₂ with better photacatalytic performance for cleaning wastewater.