Innovative CO2 conversion: harnessing photocatalytic activity in polyvinylidene fluoride/TiO2 electrospun nanofibers for environmental sustainability

This study reports the synthesis and characterization of Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF)/TiO₂ composite nanofibers for photocatalytic CO₂ conversion. The nanofibers were fabricated via electrospinning, with TiO₂ supported in a PVDF matrix. The electrospinning parameters were optimized, with the speed of drum collector, voltage, flow rate, and temperature set at 321 rpm, 20 kV, 1 ml h⁻¹, and 24 °C. SEM and XRD analyses revealed a nanofiber width of approximately 250 nm and the presence of anatase phase TiO₂, with primary diffraction peaks at 2θ values of 38.24° and 48.62°. The PVDF/TiO₂–NFs sample exhibited a BET surface area of 17.2689 ± 1.1154 m² g⁻¹, a BJH adsorption pore volume of 0.025 cm³ g⁻¹, and a BJH pore diameter of 7.26 nm. The photocatalytic performance of PVDF/TiO₂ nanofibers was evaluated through CO₂ conversion experiments, measuring the production of solar fuels (methanol and ethanol) and the efficiency of carbon utilization. The obtained yield of methanol is at 15.66 μg L⁻¹, while ethanol is recovered at 19.15 μg L⁻¹. The results demonstrated significant CO₂ reduction capabilities, highlighting the potential of PVDF/TiO₂ nanofibers as a sustainable solution for environmental remediation and renewable energy generation.

Graphical abstract