Design of visible light responsive nanofibrous cellulosic membranes based on sulfur-doped TiO₂ for water treatment

Organic dyes photodegradation solely under visible light represent a low cost and interesting solution for issues related to deterioration of water conditions. In this research study, cellulose acetate (CA) micro/nanofibrous membrane nano-doped has been prepared and tested for orange G dye degradation. Indeed, sulfur-doped titanium dioxide (S-TiO₂) nanoparticles as photocatalytic spices were prepared following mechano-synthesis approach and fully characterized using infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electronic microscopy (TEM). Afterward, the prepared S-TiO₂ nanoparticles were incorporated into cellulose acetate to elaborate nano/micro fibrous membrane using electrospinning method. Once the membrane elaboration has been optimized, orang G dye photodegradation under visible light was investigated, compared to the result of photo degradation using TiO₂ under UV light and very interesting results were obtained. This work provides valuable insight into the design of sustainable and fibrous membranes for organic pollutants photo-degradation and affords a promising stand for future low-cost water remediation technologies.