Environmental Remediation In Large Water Basins By Photocatalysis: A Multilayer Hybrid Device Accepts The Challenge

In the present work, a polymeric-inorganic hybrid device with both floating and photoactive properties was developed. A polyacrylate-based polymer was obtained by a novel synthesis allowing the achievement of high hydrophobicity on the bottom side of the polymeric foil once deposited in a micrometric layer. The photoactive TiO2-based layer was obtained by depositing a TiO2 sol on the hydrophilic top side of the polymer foil. An interlayer of homemade prepared SiO2 was adopted both to favour the adhesion and preserve the polymer from photodegradation. The device’s permeability to oxygen, its resistance to photodegradation and the photoactivity was tested, allowing perspective applications for seas and lakes pollution remediation.