Synthesis of electrospun polymer nanofiber membranes with TiO2 particles for the photocatalytic degradation of venlafaxine

Abstract

In recent years, there has been an electrospun materials development increase for filtration applications due to their distinct functional properties. Electrospun membranes of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) containing TiO₂ particles were synthesized with different temperatures producing different phases. These were incorporated into the membranes. The synthesized membranes were characterized using FTIR-ATR and SEM techniques. The photocatalytic activity of the membranes was evaluated using venlafaxine as a model pollutant. The photocatalytic efficiency was evidenced by photocatalysis tests. The results obtained showed that both membranes containing TiO₂ exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity in the degradation of venlafaxine. After 90 min of UV irradiation, a degradation of up to 85% of the drug was observed. These results highlight the potential use of PVP membranes for the pollutants removal.