Composite photocatalytic membrane prepared by embedding porous SiO2 shell/void/TiO2 core particles into polycarbonate for photodegrading and removing pollutant from water

The porous SiO2 shell/void/TiO2 core particles (SVT) were fabricated by the synergistic effect between nonionic surfactant P123 and oleic acid and SiO2-coated by hydrolysis of TEOS. And then calcinated to obtain SVT particles. The SiO2 shell can prevent TiO2 nanoparticles from damaging and decomposing polymeric support. The void space between SiO2 shell and TiO2 core can ensure the high photocatalytic activity of TiO2 nanoparticles and protect the active sites for photodecomposition of pollutants without any damage to the polymeric supports. Afterwards, SVT were embedded into polycarbonate to form composite membrane with a good performance of photodegrading and removing pollutant from water. Thereby, based on high efficient mass transfer, composite membranes embedded with SVT have a higher photocatalytic activity are desirable in application for water cleaning.168