Eco-Friendly Photocatalytic\nSolutions: Synthesized\nTiO<sub>2</sub> Nanoparticles in Cellulose Membranes for Enhanced\nDegradation of Indigo Carmine Dye

This study focuses on comparing the efficiency of commercially\navailable TiO<sub>2</sub> (P25) with synthesized TiO<sub>2</sub> nanoparticles\n(TiO<sub>2</sub>NP) impregnated in nonmodified cellulose membranes,\nspecifically targeting the degradation of Indigo Carmine (IC) dye.\nWe developed a novel method to enhance the interaction between cellulose\nand TiO<sub>2</sub>, thereby improving efficiency and reusability.\nThis involves dissolving microcrystalline cellulose in 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium\nchloride (BMImCl) and dispersing the TiO<sub>2</sub> samples within\nthis solution. The resulting cellulose membrane embedded with TiO<sub>2</sub> nanoparticles (TiO<sub>2</sub>NP) exhibited a higher adsorption\ncapacity and greater photocatalytic efficiency against IC compared\nto that of P25. This improvement is attributed to the larger surface\narea and increased reactivity of the synthesized TiO<sub>2</sub>NPs.\nFurthermore, the CEL_TiO<sub>2</sub>NP membranes demonstrated excellent\nstability and reusability, maintaining their catalytic efficiency\nover multiple cycles. This study presents new opportunities for developing\nefficient, reusable photocatalytic materials for environmental remediation\nusing eco-friendly cellulose.