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Rational Design of Reduced Graphene Oxide/TiO2/Gold Nanorod Nanocomposite for Complete Degradation of Polystyrene Microplastics in Wastewater
Summary
Researchers created a nanocomposite material combining graphene, titanium dioxide, and gold nanorods that can completely remove polystyrene microplastics from water. The material works through both chemical and light-driven degradation pathways, generating reactive oxygen species that break apart the polymer chains. The study demonstrates a promising approach for actively destroying, rather than just filtering, plastic pollution from contaminated water.
Abstract Our planet is being devoured by plastic consumption every day. Water, soil, and air are deliberately polluted by the ingredients of these nondegradable plastics. Extensive usage of plastic has serious consequences in the environment, wildlife, and human health. A comprehensive approach to eradicate plastics from the planet is therefore imperative. Herein, a ternary nanocomposite subsumed of reduced graphene oxide (rGO), titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ), and gold nanorods (AuNRs) is synthesized and effectively deployed to remove plastics from water as well as degradation of polymer film by both chemically and photocatalytically. The hydrothermally prepared nanocomposite completely removes polystyrene molecules from water, and 1.2 mg of plastic degradation is observed during the photolysis. Conversely, chemical degradation pathway induces the weight loss of 10.7 mg. Both Plasmon‐induced interfacial charge transfer transition (PICTT) and Plasmon‐induced hot electron transfer (PHET) assist the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that collectively degrades the polymer strands. The spectrochemical and microscopic studies validate the degradation studies with cautious conclusions.
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