Photocatalytic microreactors based on nano TiO2-containing clay colloidosomes

Photocatalytic microcompartments have attracted increasing interests in the field of photocatalytic degradation. This work focused on the construction and characterization of a novel photocatalytic microsystem comprising polydopamine-modified TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) dispersed in clay-based colloidosomes, utilizing partially hydrophobic montmorillonite particles as building blocks for colloidosome membrane assembly. Assessment of photocatalytic activity was performed by photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue and rhodamine B, with the small molecule dyes decomposing within the compartmentalized microsystems. Encapsulation of TiO2 NPs within the clay colloidosomes enhanced the efficiency of photocatalytic degradation. The results showed a selective degradation of methylene blue in the presence of rhodamine B, with associated λMB/λRhB of 2.04. The present study indicates that photocatalytic semiconductor NPs encapsulated in clay colloidosomes form a promising microsystem with great potential for application in environmental remediation.