Electrospun PMMA/ZnO membranes for improvement the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue using solar irradiation

Electrospun poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) microfibers were combined with ZnO to enhance the photodegradation of dye molecules. The microstructural characteristic of fibrous material used for the decomposition of methylene blue (MB) present in aqueous solutions under dark and sunlight irradiation was studied using UV-Vis absorption and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The PMMA fibrous membrane was embedded with ZnO particles using the low temperature heat treatment providing better membrane handling and changing its morphology. The average diameter of fibrous composite varied between 1,5 ± 0,26 to 2,5 ± 0,36 µm, influenced by the thermal treatment and the ZnO addition. The EDX analysis indicated the presence and homogenous distribution of Zn and O well over on PMMA fibrous, also by FTIR, DRX and TGA analysis corroborates the presence and composition of ZnO. The dispersion of ZnO in the polymer matrix influences the roughness and contact angle, important characteristics in the degradation of the dye. Dye molecule discoloration with composite PMMA/ZnO fibers was better in the sunlight irradiation (96% MB degradation) compared with the dark conditions (< 2% MB degradation). The new strategy of material synthesis for photocatalytic activity suitable for treatment for waste water effluents.