Photocatalytic Degradation of a Dye in Wastewater by Quantum Dot-Modified Microgels
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Abstract
Organic contaminants found in water, and leaching into the environment, are a major concern worldwide. In this thesis, we investigate the utility of using quantum dot-doped poly (N-isopropylacrylamide) (pNIPAm) microgels to photocatalytically degrade an organic dye in water. We use an aqueous-phase process to synthesize the hybrid CdS-modified microgels. To study the structure and properties of the hybrid microgels, we use scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Furthermore, we showed that these microgels can photocatalytically degrade Rhodamine B upon irradiation with UV light and the nano-CdS would be steadily immobilized within in the outer surface of the spherical beads, which is dominant for efficient degradation of RhB and for repeated use the catalysts. The results showed that 95% of the Rhodamine B could be decomposed within one hour, in addition to other organics. The approach presented in this study is low-cost and provides wide application prospects in the field of photocatalysis.