Synthesis and enhanced photocatalytic application of porous nanocomposites of (r)GO/TiO2 embedded HCP (hyper crosslinked polymer)

Abstract

Nanocomposites (r)GO/TiO2/hyper crosslinked polymer (HCP) were prepared using ultrasonic-assisted method, and identified by (SEM), (EDS), (TEM), and (XRD) techniques. This study was performed to examine the effect of various operating parameters on photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B (Rh.B) over (r)GO/TiO2 embedded HCP followed by an optimization study using response surface methodology (RSM) based on Box–Behnken design (BBD). The photocatalytic activity of rGO/TiO2/polycalix[4]resorcinarene ((r)GTP) was evaluated using the cationic dye Rhodamine B as a pollutant model under solar light (intensity = 850 W/m2) between 10 and 12 am, June, Ahvaz, Iran. Response Surface Methodology was adopted for the optimization of degradation parameters viz pH, dye concentration, and nanocomposites dosage and contact time. The optimum values for the maximum Rhodamine B (Rh B) degradation of rGO/TiO2/polycalix (rGTP) and GTP were obtained, in which the degradation of rGTP was 100% and the degradation efficiency of GO/TiO2/polycalix (GTP) was 70%. ANOVA analysis results demonstrated that irradiation time and nanocomposite mass were the most significant parameters. It was found that rGO/TiO2/polycalix[4]resorcinarene (rGTP) nanocomposite displayed the best degradation yield for the dye. The results showed that the rGTP nanocomposite displayed good EIS and CV properties besides being eco-friendly and reusable. It could also show a high capacity for the elimination of the dye in the industrial wastewaters. Graphical Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]