Photocatalytic activity performance of novel cross-linked PEBAX copolymer nanocomposite on azo dye degradation

Abstract The results of investigations on advanced oxidation process (AOP) regarding a new embedded heterogeneous photocatalyst on poly ether block amides/polyvinyl alcohol/titanium dioxide/multiwalled carbon nanotube (PEBAX/PVA/TiO 2 /MWCNT) composite are presented. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), thermogravimetry analysis (TGA), UV–Vis-NIR diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry (FT-IR), and chemical oxygen demand analysis (COD) were applied to characterize the effect of functionalization, structure, surface morphology, and optical properties of composites and mineralization of pollutants. The present work confirmed the role of MWCNT as a factor which not only activated the catalyst with visible light but also raised the adsorption of species by increasing the active surface area. The oxalic acid (OA) treated composite with bath casting method showed high potential for the mineralization of pollutant. Heterogeneous advanced oxidation process carried out for 240 min utilizing composite films resulted in complete loss of Remazol Black Brilliant (RBB) under UV irradiation. The OA treated composite with bath casting method was the most active composite film. Removal of RBB proceeded corresponding to Langmuir–Hinshelwood and zero order kinetics.