The Uab Research Foundation

Benjamin Yancey

Eugenia P Kharlampieva

Despite significant progress in the synthesis of nanocomposite materials, integration of several components with various functions remains a big challenge, which significantly limits control over nanocomposite properties. The disclosure provides a multifunctional micro particle based on incorporation of titania nanoparticles combined into a porous polylactic acid (PLA) matrix. PLA is used as a biodegradable and biocompatible polymer and titania nanoparticles represent photocatalytically active nanofillers capable of degradation of organic compounds under solar irradiation. Titania nanoparticles are integrated with PLA by using 'mixed' and 'in situ grown' approaches. The hybrid systems effectively absorbed and degraded organic impurities from water. The sorption capacity, dye degradability, and PLA disintegration were controlled by varying the concentration of incorporated titania. The hybrid degradable systems can be applied as novel non-toxic photocatalytic materials for such as environmental cleanup of contaminated waters.

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Hoover, AL, United States of America

Benjamin Yancey