Contact Lenses–TiO<sub>2</sub> Nanocomposites for a Sustainable Wastewater Remediation

Publication date: 26 Dic 2024

JournalSource: OPENALEXOpenAlex type: articleClosed Access
Authors: Giuliana Impellizzeri, Ernestino Lufrano, Giusy Curcuruto, Massimo Zimbone, Antonio Alessio Leonardi, Gianfranco Sfuncia, Giuseppe Nicotra, Vincenzina 却牡湯, Maria Antonietta Buccheri, Cataldo Simari, Sabrina Carroccio, G. Impellizzeri

Rising plastic waste from products such as contact lenses underscores the need for innovative recycling solutions. This study presents a sustainable approach to produce reusable photocatalytic hybrid nanocomposites for water treatment through the use of waste contact lenses. TiO 2 nanoparticles were uniformly integrated into postused contact lenses via a controlled spray deposition technique, resulting in nanocomposites with different spray times (10, 15, or 20 min). The innovative polymeric hybrids were comprehensively characterized from a morphological, structural, and chemical standpoint using techniques such as scanning and transmission electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction analysis, Raman spectroscopy, Z-potential analysis, UV–vis spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The UV-photocatalytic performance of the resulting systems was successfully tested on two common pollutants: methylene blue (a cationic dye) and sodium dodecyl sulfate (an anionic surfactant). The highest efficiency was obtained through the 20 min spray-coated lenses, able to degrade ∼100% of MB and ∼60% of SDS within 3 h of UV-light irradiation. The difference in the photocatalytic efficiency was attributed to the electrostatic interaction between the individual pollutant and the material’s surface. In addition, the antibacterial activity was assessed on Escherichia coli, a well-known indicator of water fecal contamination. This research paves the way for recycling plastic waste through an affordable and cost-effective production method that aligns with the circular economy principles.

Origin
ACS Applied Nano Materials
Volume
8
Issue
1
Pages
147-156
Cited by
4
Legacy ID
d0a57080889a43fd0d279a3da10309fa
Biblio references
Volume: 8 Issue: 1 Pages: 147-156