Dye Removal by Polymer Derived Ceramic Nanobeads

Abstract

Emulsion processed polymer derived ceramic (PDC) nanobeads are used for Methylene Blue dye removal from aqueous solutions. The PDC nanobeads, produced at 600 degrees C and 1200 degrees C pyrolysis, are subsequently coated with titania (anatase). Titania-coated nanobeads show less than 35%, i.e., limited dye adsorption capability in dark. Instead, enhanced total removal efficiency (similar to 97%) is obtained when the initial adsorption is succeeded by photodegradation under UV. Direct reusability tests show that even after the third cycle, very high regeneration efficiencies being above 92% are observed for titania-coated nanobeads.