Highly Transparent Poly(vinyl alcohol)(PVA)/TiO2 Nanocomposite Films with Remarkable Photocatalytic Performance and Recyclability

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) has been regarded as an efficient photocatalyst for degradation of environmental pollutants. However, recovery of TiO2 nanoparticles from suspension limits its practical application. Herein, we reported a novel highly transparent poly(vinyl alcohol)(PVA)/TiO2 photocatalytic film via in-situ growth and solution casting method. TiO2 nanoparticles with average size of 10 nm were uniformly dispersed in transparent PVA matrix. The photocatalytic performance was investigated by photodegradation of methyl orange (MO) aqueous solution under solar light irradiation. PVA/TiO2 photocatalytic film exhibited remarkably high photocatalytic activity and excellent recyclable properties during multi-cycle use. PVA not only acted as a transparent supports for TiO2, but also worked as an efficient holes scavenger. The hydroxyl groups on PVA chains played a key role in separation of photo-generated electrons and holes, thus increased the photodegradation rate of MO. This work gives an easy and reliable way for polymer/TiO2 nanocomposites in practical environmental applications.