Quick Screening Method for the Photocatalytic Activity of Textile Fibers and Fabrics

Abstract

A quantitative photometric screening method for the measurement of the degradation of formaldehyde by photocatalytic fibers and fabrics was developed. For quick screening, formaldehyde was chosen as an analyte because of its environmental relevance in indoor air pollution, its easy handling, common use and clear degradation pathway. The degradation of formaldehyde was measured quantitatively by a sensitive photometric method after irradiation in the presence of fibers or fabrics. This method allows a fast screening of produced fibers and fabrics with respect to their odor reduction capability. It is able to reveal the differences in the formaldehyde degradation capabilities of, for example, fibers with different titers as well as fibers or fabrics with various contents of the photocatalyst, titanium dioxide.

Smart photoactive soft materials for environmental cleaning and energy production through incorporation of nanophotocatalyst on polymers and textiles

“…There are advertised new products ostensibly decomposing odor emitting materials and gases producing water and carbon dioxide. Some spray coating is introduced with strong oxidizing power enabling TiO 2 photocatalyst to decompose organic matter performing antibacterial and deodorizing functions …”

High-Throughput Synthesis and Screening of Titania-Based Photocatalysts

“…The yield of CO 2 evolution is defined as the ratio of the mass of the CO 2 produced (measured using a CO 2 detector) to the equivalent amount of CO 2 generated in a complete mineralization. This technique has also been successfully applied to investigate the photocatalytic degradation of formaldehyde on the irradiated surfaces of fibers and fabrics containing TiO 2 photocatalyst . This novel method offers a relatively quick and straightforward screening method (45 min purging, 15 min irradiation, and 60 min purging).…”

Flame-made visible light active TiO2:Cr photocatalysts: Correlation between structural, optical and photocatalytic properties

“…The evaluation of photocatalytic activity was based on the modified quick screening method reported by Ritter et al [4]. The scheme of the photocatalytic experiment is shown in Fig.…”

“…1b). The calibration curve of FA concentration vs. extinction was prepared according to Ritter et al [4].…”

“…TiO 2 -based photocatalysis is a potential way to purify indoor air in an efficient way [1][2][3][4]. However, TiO 2 is activated only by UV irradiation due to its wide band gap (3.2 eV).…”