A Piezoelectric Electrospun Nanofiber mat (Kaolin/PVDF) for the Degradation of Methylene Blue in Water

Abstract

Organic compounds of various classes have been identified as major pollutants commonly detected in several environmental freshwaters. As a potential solution, electrospun mat-like nanofibers comprising polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) nanofibers and kaolin clay composite were synthesized for the degradation of methylene blue dye in wastewater using piezocatalytic technique. The kaolin/PVDF composites were characterized with SEM, XRD, FTIR, Chronoamperometry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The poling of the piezoelectric charges of the electrospun mat-like nanofibers, enhanced by the presence of the crystalline nature of the kaolin clay occasioned the generation of reactive species upon exposure to ultrasonic vibration. Moreover, ultrasound waves in the system prevented passivation of the mat’s active surface during piezocatalysis through continuous cleaning action. A degradation efficiency of 100% was obtained from the degradation of methylene blue dye using the synthesized kaolin/PVDF composites during piezocatalysis. This result positions the nanofiber as an effective catalyst in wastewater treatment applications.

Graphical Abstract