Solvent free fabrication of nanoporous TiO2 filters using organic–inorganic nanocomposites

Nanoporous TiO2 filters with 50 nm mean pore size are synthesized by using commercial TiO2 nanoparticles and polyvinylpyrrolidone with an easy and low cost route that did not involve any solvent. Crystal structure and surface morphologies are studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. X-ray photoelectron microscopy (XPS) is used to confirm the filtering process by analyzing pre- and post-filter affluent containing nanoparticles to simulate the filtration of micrometer (bacteria) and nanometer (virus) species. Greater than 85% filtering efficiency is obtained during the filtering of a mixture of water and 30 nm mean crystallite size iron oxide nanoparticles.

Graphical abstractNanoporous TiO2 filters with 50 nm mean pore size are synthesized by using commercial TiO2 nanoparticles and polyvinylpyrrolidone through a non-solvent process. Greater than 85% filtering efficiency is obtained during the filtering of a mixture of water and 30 nm iron oxide nanoparticles that simulate bacteria and some viruses.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Nanoporous TiO2 filters are produced with 50 nm mean pore size. ► Commercial TiO2 nanoparticles and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) used in the synthesis ► A non-solvent process is employed to remove (PVP) to produce porosity. ► Removal of bacteria and virus was simulated by Fe2O3 nanoparticles filtration. ► Greater than 85% filtering efficiency was measured.