Synthesis of bioinspired lotus fiber infused PVA/TiO2 nanocomposites: characterization, thermal, and photocatalytic activity studies

To extract lotus fiber (LF), lotus stems were chemically treated with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and sodium chlorite (NaClO2). Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles were synthesized using the sol-gel technique. The solution casting approach was utilized to successfully create PVA/TiO2 and LF/PVA/TiO2 nanocomposites. FT-IR, XRD, FE-SEM, UV-DRS, and TGA methods are used to evaluate the structural, morphological, thermal, and optical properties of the synthesized composites. The findings of the FE-SEM research reveal that the composites displayed a homogenous distribution. The materials used to make the composites and the TiO2 nanoparticles have a tetragonal phase, according to XRD measurements. TiO2, PVA/TiO2, and LF/PVA/TiO2 bandgap energies are 3.21 eV, 3.03 eV, and 2.93 eV, respectively, demonstrating the semi-conductivity efficiency of the nanocomposites. FT-IR findings have demonstrated the existence of certain chemical linkages. The weight loss of the composites was evaluated using TGA analysis. TiO2 exhibited 1.82% weight loss at 490 degrees C, LF/PVA/TiO2 composite showed 75% weight loss at 550 degrees C, and LF/PVA/TiO2 composite showed 82% weight loss at 550 degrees C. It has been demonstrated that the LF/PVA/TiO2 composite has greater thermal stability than PVA and PVA/TiO2. The photocatalytic activity of the composites is measured using crystal violet (CV) dye. TiO2, PVA/TiO2, and LF/PVA/TiO2 catalyst photodegradation abilities rose to 59.19%, 72.74%, and 91.18%, respectively. As a result, the LF/PVA/TiO2 composite outperforms other composites. The lotus effect suggests a suitable mechanism. Photocatalysis using semiconductors is synergistic. Infusing LF is the novelty and offers the supporting effect called the lotus effect.