Functionalization of Filter Media for Improved Crystalline Silica Analysis Using Raman Spectroscopy

Respirable crystalline silica (RCS) poses significant health risks in workplaces, including underground coal mines, metal and nonmetal mining, construction sites, fire suppression, and oil and gas industries. Raman spectroscopy offers a promising avenue for direct analysis of RCS on sample filters with minimal pretreatment. However, the presence of organic compounds (OC) in the samples can generate fluorescence signals that interfere with RCS measurements, potentially saturating the detector even at short integration times, particularly when using portable Raman instruments. This study explores a novel approach to address these challenges by functionalizing filters with a hydroxyapatite/silver bromide/titanium dioxide (HAT) photocatalyst, facilitating the oxidation and removal of OC using the Raman excitation laser. Photocatalytic degradation experiments conducted on polyvinyl chloride (PVC) filters preloaded with HAT and anatase titanium dioxide (TiO₂) particles demonstrated that HAT significantly enhances the degradation of OC, such as oxalic acid, under visible light irradiation compared to TiO₂. Additionally, fluorescence interferences were reduced for coal dust samples analyzed on functionalized silver filters using a portable Raman instrument. The efficacy of HAT in OC photocatalytic degradation on silver filters was further confirmed using a benchtop micro-Raman system. Filter functionalization had minimal impact on filtration efficiencies and pressure drops, indicating the feasibility of this approach for improving RCS analysis while maintaining filter performance.