A photo-responsive micro/nanomembrane for smart separation and self-cleaning

A photo-responsive micro/nanomembrane for smart separation and self-cleaning

Inspired by the micro/nanostructures of a leaf surface, a smart photo-responsive zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorod-modified polysulfone (PSF) nano-fibrous membrane was successfully fabricated using a combination of electrospinning and hydrothermal reactions in this research. Via a hydrothermal reaction, ZnO...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Li, Zhengtao, Tio, Wee, Yang, Jia-Cheng E., Sun, Darren Delai
Other Authors: School of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: 2023
Subjects:
Engineering::Environmental engineering
Smart Seperation
Nanorod-modified Polysulfone
Online Access:https://hdl.handle.net/10356/171337
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Institution: Nanyang Technological University
Language: English
Description
Summary:Inspired by the micro/nanostructures of a leaf surface, a smart photo-responsive zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorod-modified polysulfone (PSF) nano-fibrous membrane was successfully fabricated using a combination of electrospinning and hydrothermal reactions in this research. Via a hydrothermal reaction, ZnO nanorods can be grown easily on the electrospun PSF nanofibers to form a hierarchical micro-/nano-structure with a large specific surface area. Importantly, due to the photo-sensitivity of ZnO nanorods, the membrane became hydrophilic and performed efficient oil–water separation under ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. Moreover, this membrane demonstrated self-cleaning properties which promoted the degradation of foulants and contaminants under UV irradiation. This novel membrane is a good candidate for smart separation applications.

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