Pivotal role of starch in restoring the photocatalytic performance of chitosan films for eliminating water pollutants

Abstract

The photocatalytic performance of chitosan-derived catalytic films deteriorates due to surface area loss during catalyst immobilization. It limits the practical efficacy of these films, despite being a greener and more reusable alternative to powdered catalysts. Herein, we have restored and enhanced the photocatalytic efficiency of chitosan films from 67% to 95% by starch impregnation. The combinatorial impact of the enhanced adsorption due to the unique surface structure of the starch–chitosan surface and cooperative charge separation efficiency of the photocatalyst balance the effect of surface area loss and photocatalytic performance is restored.