Metal-Free and Degradable Photocatalyst for Water Decontamination: An Innovative Application for High-Sulfur Content Polymers
Vinicius Diniz, Brenda Resendiz-Diaz, Colin R. Crick
TL;DR
This paper introduces a metal-free, degradable polymer for water purification that effectively removes contaminants and is environmentally friendly.
Contribution
High-sulfur polymers are proposed as a novel, metal-free photocatalyst with degradability and high contaminant removal efficiency.
Findings
High-sulfur polymers achieved over 80% removal of dyes and emerging contaminants in water.
Siloxane groups reduced photocatalytic activity by 81.3% due to hindered hydroxyl radical generation.
DIB-based polymers degraded under UV, reducing environmental persistence and secondary pollution risks.
Abstract
This study explores high-sulfur content polymers as metal-free photocatalysts for water purification. Photocatalytic activity was strongly influenced by the chemical structure of the cross-linker; polymers with fewer unsaturations showed higher performance, while siloxane groups reduced activity by 81.3% by hindering hydroxyl radical generation. Increased sulfur content further improves photocatalytic activity, underscoring sulfur’s role in contaminant degradation. The polymers achieved >80% removal of dyes and emerging contaminants, maintaining effectiveness in tap water, which demonstrates practical applicability. Reusability varied with cross-linker type, with 1,3-diisopropenylbenene (DIB)-based polymers showing lower durability than the 2,4,6,8-tetramethyl-2,4,6,8-tetravinylcyclotetrasiloxane-based polymers. Importantly, DIB polymers underwent UV-induced oxidation and…
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Taxonomy
TopicsSynthesis and properties of polymers · TiO2 Photocatalysis and Solar Cells · Chemical Synthesis and Reactions