Solar-driven photodegradation of ciprofloxacin and E. coli growth inhibition using a Tm3+ upconverting nanoparticle-based polymer composite

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Siyuan Fan - , Chair of Materials Science and Nanotechnology, TUD Dresden University of Technology (Author)
  • Jabez Ebenezer Inkumsah Jnr - , TUD Dresden University of Technology (Author)
  • Enrico Trave - , Ca' Foscari University of Venice (Author)
  • Matteo Gigli - , Ca' Foscari University of Venice (Author)
  • Tanmaya Joshi - , TUD Dresden University of Technology (Author)
  • Nadia Licciardello - , TUD Dresden University of Technology (Author)
  • Massimo Sgarzi - , Ca' Foscari University of Venice (Author)
  • Gianaurelio Cuniberti - , Chair of Materials Science and Nanotechnology, TUD Dresden University of Technology (Author)

Abstract

Solar-driven photocatalysis is of great interest in terms of a sustainable use of energy and its application in wastewater treatment. The UV light-driven photogeneration of H2O2 by solar irradiation is an advanced strategy for the treatment of bacteria and recalcitrant pollutants in wastewater, but suffers from low efficiencies. In this work, a solar-driven multifunctional nanocomposite consisting of Tm3+ upconverting nanoparticles, poly(vinyl alcohol), poly(acrylic acid) and hydroxylated sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) was prepared. The components were crosslinked via a heating treatment at 170 °C, resulting in a non-leaching porous material. This nanocomposite exhibited excellent adsorption ability (89 % in 150 min) toward a 100 mg/L ciprofloxacin aqueous solution and proved to photodegrade it (50 %) upon 4 h artificial solar irradiation, exploiting photon upconversion processes. Moreover, an 80 % bactericidal effect against E. coli was registered upon sunlight irradiation. Altogether, these results suggest the feasibility of a solar-driven wastewater treatment based on upconverting nanoparticles.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number146877
JournalChemical engineering journal
Volume476
Publication statusPublished - 15 Nov 2023
Peer-reviewedYes

Keywords

Keywords

  • Antibiotics, Antimicrobial, Nanocomposite, Photosensitive polymer, Solar-driven photocatalysis, Upconverting nanoparticles, Wastewater