# Comparative Solid Phase Photocatalytic Degradation of Polythene Films with Doped and Undoped TiO2 Nanoparticles

Authors: Wasim Asghar; Ishtiaq A. Qazi; Hassan Ilyas; Aftab Ahmad Khan; M. Ali Awan; M. Rizwan Aslam
Journal: Journal of Nanomaterials
 (2011)

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## Abstract

Comparative photocatalytic degradation of polythene films was investigated with undoped and metal (Fe, Ag, and Fe/Ag mix) doped TiO2 nanoparticles under three different conditions such as UV radiation, artificial light, and darkness. Prepared photocatalysts were characterized by XRD, SEM, and EDS techniques. Photocatalytic degradation of the polythene films was determined by monitoring their weight reduction, SEM analysis, and FTIR spectroscopy. Weight of PE films steadily decreased and led to maximum of 14.34% reduction under UV irradiation with Fe/Ag mix doped TiO2 nanoparticles and maximum of 14.28% reduction under artificial light with Ag doped TiO2 nanoparticles in 300 hrs. No weight reduction was observed under darkness. Results reveal that polythene-TiO2 compositing with metal doping has the potential to degrade the polythene waste under irradiation without any pollution.


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## Body

## 1. Introduction

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is one of the most well-known efficient photocatalysts. The capability of TiO2-based photocatalyst to degrade gaseous and aqueous contamination makes it a good candidate for use in air clean up and water purification. However, most applications so far are limited to UV light irradiation because the light absorption edge of pure TiO2 is lower than 380 nm. Therefore, the development of modified titania with high activity under visible light (λ>380 nm) should take full advantage of the main part of the solar spectrum (mostly 400–600 nm) [1].The most promising approach of activation of TiO2, in the visible light region, is modification of its chemical structure to shift the absorption spectrum to the visible light region [2–4]. This type of modification involves introduction of doping with metal and nonmetal species. To prepare an effective visible light, active photocatalyst doping should produce states in the band gap of TiO2 that absorbs visible light [5].The process of recycling polymers is expensive and time consuming; only a small percentage of the plastic waste is currently being recycled [6]. Biodegradable plastics have shown considerable promise in this context [7, 8]. However, the biodegradable plastics till now cannot completely solve the problem due to their chemical stability and nonaffordable cost [9]. More recently, photo degradation of plastics has also started receiving attention. The composition of plastic and TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) has been proven to be a new and useful way to decompose solid polymer in open air. Investigations on the photo degradation of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), and polythene (PE) have been carried out [10–12]. More specifically, a few recent reports describe the use of TiO2 and goethite and so forth as the photocatalyst for oxidative degradation of PE with very encouraging results [13, 14].The present study was focused on solid phase photocatalytic degradation of polyethylene plastic with TiO2 as photocatalyst and Fe, Ag metals as dopants. PE-TiO2 composite films were prepared and their photocatalytic degradation under ultraviolet irradiation, artificial light and darkness was studied.


## 2. Materials and Methods

### 2.1. Chemical Reagents

GPR TiO2 (BDH Chemicals Ltd., England) and chemical reagents like iron (III) nitrate nonahydrate, silver nitrate, and cyclohexane (Merck, Germany) were used in this study. All chemicals were of analytical grade and used without further purification. PE originating from QAPCO Petrochemical Corp., Qatar was purchased from the local market.


### 2.2. Preparation of Doped TiO2 Nanoparticles

Fe doped, Ag doped, and Fe/Ag mix doped TiO2 NPs were prepared by the liquid impregnation (LI) method by the following steps. 3 g of GPR TiO2 was added to 100 mL distilled water and then the required amount of iron (III) nitrate nonahydrate, for doping, was added to TiO2 suspension, where the Fe concentration was of 1% (mole ratio) versus TiO2. The slurry was stirred well and allowed to rest for 24 hours and then dried in an air oven at 100°C for 12 hours [15]. The dried solids were ground in an agate mortar and calcinated at 500°C for 3 hours in a furnace. Same steps were repeated with silver nitrate as precursor for Ag doped TiO2 NPs where the Ag concentration was of 1% (mole ratio) versus TiO2. For Fe/Ag mix doped TiO2, iron (III) nitrate nonahydrate and silver nitrate were used as the precursors for Fe and Ag, respectively. The mole ratio, with respect to TiO2, for both Fe and Ag was 0.5% each. GPR TiO2 was calcinated at 500°C for 3 hours when used as undoped TiO2 NPs source.


### 2.3. Preparation of PE-TiO2 Composite Films

Polymer stock solution was prepared by dissolving 1 g of PE in 100 mL cyclohexane at70°C under vigorous stirring for 60 minutes. Following this, TiO2 NPs were suspended uniformly in the above solution to give 1.0% (weight) contents with respect to the total mass of PE. An aliquot of 20 mL of PE-TiO2 prepared solution was spread as a disc (r= 4 cm) on a glass plate and first dried for 20 minutes at 70°C, then dried for 48 hours at room temperature [16]. Weight of the resulting PE-TiO2 composite films was 0.2 gm approximately. Same procedure was followed to prepare the composite films of PE with Fe, Ag, and Fe/Ag mix doped TiO2 NPs.


## 2.1. Chemical Reagents

GPR TiO2 (BDH Chemicals Ltd., England) and chemical reagents like iron (III) nitrate nonahydrate, silver nitrate, and cyclohexane (Merck, Germany) were used in this study. All chemicals were of analytical grade and used without further purification. PE originating from QAPCO Petrochemical Corp., Qatar was purchased from the local market.


## 2.2. Preparation of Doped TiO2 Nanoparticles

Fe doped, Ag doped, and Fe/Ag mix doped TiO2 NPs were prepared by the liquid impregnation (LI) method by the following steps. 3 g of GPR TiO2 was added to 100 mL distilled water and then the required amount of iron (III) nitrate nonahydrate, for doping, was added to TiO2 suspension, where the Fe concentration was of 1% (mole ratio) versus TiO2. The slurry was stirred well and allowed to rest for 24 hours and then dried in an air oven at 100°C for 12 hours [15]. The dried solids were ground in an agate mortar and calcinated at 500°C for 3 hours in a furnace. Same steps were repeated with silver nitrate as precursor for Ag doped TiO2 NPs where the Ag concentration was of 1% (mole ratio) versus TiO2. For Fe/Ag mix doped TiO2, iron (III) nitrate nonahydrate and silver nitrate were used as the precursors for Fe and Ag, respectively. The mole ratio, with respect to TiO2, for both Fe and Ag was 0.5% each. GPR TiO2 was calcinated at 500°C for 3 hours when used as undoped TiO2 NPs source.


## 2.3. Preparation of PE-TiO2 Composite Films

Polymer stock solution was prepared by dissolving 1 g of PE in 100 mL cyclohexane at70°C under vigorous stirring for 60 minutes. Following this, TiO2 NPs were suspended uniformly in the above solution to give 1.0% (weight) contents with respect to the total mass of PE. An aliquot of 20 mL of PE-TiO2 prepared solution was spread as a disc (r= 4 cm) on a glass plate and first dried for 20 minutes at 70°C, then dried for 48 hours at room temperature [16]. Weight of the resulting PE-TiO2 composite films was 0.2 gm approximately. Same procedure was followed to prepare the composite films of PE with Fe, Ag, and Fe/Ag mix doped TiO2 NPs.


## 3. Characterization

### 3.1. Characterization of TiO2 Nanoparticles

#### 3.1.1. X-Ray Diffraction Analysis

Crystal size of the prepared photocatalyst was studied by powder XRD technique. X-ray diffraction patterns were obtained on JEOL JDX-II X-ray diffractometer usingCu-Kα radiation at an angle of 2θ from 10° to 80°. The crystallite size was determined from the X-ray diffraction patterns, based on the Scherer equation [14]
(1)L=kλβcosθ
where k is a shape factor = 0.9, λ is the radiation wavelength =1.54051°A,θ is the Bragg angle, β = full width of a diffraction line at one half of maximum intensity in radian.


#### 3.1.2. SEM Study

SEM study of doped and undoped TiO2 NPs was conducted with JEOL JSM-6460 scanning electron microscope to see the distribution of metal on the surface of TiO2 in doped species.


#### 3.1.3. EDS Analysis

Energy dispersive spectroscopic (EDS) analysis was conducted with Oxford INCA X-sight 200 to perform the quantitative analysis of the TiO2 both in doped and undoped conditions.


### 3.2. Characterization of Polythene Films

#### 3.2.1. Weight Reduction Analysis

Photo degradation study of the PE films was conducted based on weight reduction. Weighing balance, with 0.0001 gm sensitivity (Denver Instrument Company XE Series, model 100A) was used for weight measurements.


#### 3.2.2. Surface Morphology and Thickness Analysis

Surface morphology & thickness analysis of PE films was conducted with JEOL JSM-6460 scanning electron microscope before and after the 300 hours of UV exposure.


#### 3.2.3. FTIR Analysis

To get the qualitative analysis of the PE films, FTIR analysis was conducted with Perkin Elmer Spectrum BX-II FTIR spectrometer before and after irradiation.


## 3.1. Characterization of TiO2 Nanoparticles

### 3.1.1. X-Ray Diffraction Analysis

Crystal size of the prepared photocatalyst was studied by powder XRD technique. X-ray diffraction patterns were obtained on JEOL JDX-II X-ray diffractometer usingCu-Kα radiation at an angle of 2θ from 10° to 80°. The crystallite size was determined from the X-ray diffraction patterns, based on the Scherer equation [14]
(1)L=kλβcosθ
where k is a shape factor = 0.9, λ is the radiation wavelength =1.54051°A,θ is the Bragg angle, β = full width of a diffraction line at one half of maximum intensity in radian.


### 3.1.2. SEM Study

SEM study of doped and undoped TiO2 NPs was conducted with JEOL JSM-6460 scanning electron microscope to see the distribution of metal on the surface of TiO2 in doped species.


### 3.1.3. EDS Analysis

Energy dispersive spectroscopic (EDS) analysis was conducted with Oxford INCA X-sight 200 to perform the quantitative analysis of the TiO2 both in doped and undoped conditions.


## 3.1.1. X-Ray Diffraction Analysis

Crystal size of the prepared photocatalyst was studied by powder XRD technique. X-ray diffraction patterns were obtained on JEOL JDX-II X-ray diffractometer usingCu-Kα radiation at an angle of 2θ from 10° to 80°. The crystallite size was determined from the X-ray diffraction patterns, based on the Scherer equation [14]
(1)L=kλβcosθ
where k is a shape factor = 0.9, λ is the radiation wavelength =1.54051°A,θ is the Bragg angle, β = full width of a diffraction line at one half of maximum intensity in radian.


## 3.1.2. SEM Study

SEM study of doped and undoped TiO2 NPs was conducted with JEOL JSM-6460 scanning electron microscope to see the distribution of metal on the surface of TiO2 in doped species.


## 3.1.3. EDS Analysis

Energy dispersive spectroscopic (EDS) analysis was conducted with Oxford INCA X-sight 200 to perform the quantitative analysis of the TiO2 both in doped and undoped conditions.


## 3.2. Characterization of Polythene Films

### 3.2.1. Weight Reduction Analysis

Photo degradation study of the PE films was conducted based on weight reduction. Weighing balance, with 0.0001 gm sensitivity (Denver Instrument Company XE Series, model 100A) was used for weight measurements.


### 3.2.2. Surface Morphology and Thickness Analysis

Surface morphology & thickness analysis of PE films was conducted with JEOL JSM-6460 scanning electron microscope before and after the 300 hours of UV exposure.


### 3.2.3. FTIR Analysis

To get the qualitative analysis of the PE films, FTIR analysis was conducted with Perkin Elmer Spectrum BX-II FTIR spectrometer before and after irradiation.


## 3.2.1. Weight Reduction Analysis

Photo degradation study of the PE films was conducted based on weight reduction. Weighing balance, with 0.0001 gm sensitivity (Denver Instrument Company XE Series, model 100A) was used for weight measurements.


## 3.2.2. Surface Morphology and Thickness Analysis

Surface morphology & thickness analysis of PE films was conducted with JEOL JSM-6460 scanning electron microscope before and after the 300 hours of UV exposure.


## 3.2.3. FTIR Analysis

To get the qualitative analysis of the PE films, FTIR analysis was conducted with Perkin Elmer Spectrum BX-II FTIR spectrometer before and after irradiation.


## 4. Results and Discussions

### 4.1. Characterization of TiO2 Nanoparticles

#### 4.1.1. X-Ray Diffraction Analysis

Table1 shows the results of X-ray diffraction analysis, which demonstrate a variation in nanoparticles size as compared to a previous study [15]. This study reported that the average size of prepared Ag doped TiO2 NPs was 14 nm while Ag doped TiO2 NPs prepared in current study were in the 11.27 to 42.52 nm range. This difference may be due to the TiO2 source, as GPR TiO2 was used as TiO2 source in the current study while P-25 Degussa was used in the previous one. Figure 1 shows the respective XRD patterns of doped and undoped TiO2 NPs.Table 1
Crystal sizes of doped and undoped TiO2 nanoparticles.
Sr. no.Sample nameCrystal size (nm)MaximumMinimum1Undoped TiO242.5226.722Fe doped TiO242.5226.723Ag doped TiO242.5211.274Fe/Ag mix doped TiO242.5220.09XRD patterns: (a) undoped TiO2, (b) Fe doped TiO2, (c) Ag doped TiO2, and (d) Fe/Ag mix doped TiO2.
(a)(b)(c)(d)


#### 4.1.2. SEM Analysis

Figure2 shows the images of doped and undoped TiO2 NPs obtained with scanning electron microscope. These images show that the distribution of the dopant metals on the surface of TiO2 is not uniform and doped species contain irregular shaped particles which are aggregations of tiny crystals. SEM analysis verifies the results of previous reported work [15].SEM images of TiO2 NPs: (a) undoped TiO2, (b) Fe doped TiO2, (c) Ag doped TiO2, and (d) Fe/Ag mix doped TiO2.
(a)(b)(c)(d)


#### 4.1.3. EDS Analysis

Figure3 shows the EDS spectra of doped and undoped TiO2 NPs. EDS analysis shows that the percent composition is not consistent in the doped TiO2 NPs. It varies from point to point showing that composition of the prepared NPs is not homogeneous. It confirms the SEM results. Average composition of doped and undoped NPs is given as in Table 2.Table 2
EDS analysis of doped and undoped TiO2 nanoparticles.
Sr. no.Sample nameElements in percent ratioTiFeAg1Undoped TiO2100.00——2Fe doped TiO299.080.92—3Ag doped TiO299.09—0.914Fe/Ag mix doped TiO298.990.480.53EDS spectra of TiO2 NPs: (a) undoped TiO2, (b) Fe doped TiO2, (c) Ag doped TiO2, and (d) Fe/Ag mix doped TiO2.
(a)(b)(c)(d)


### 4.2. Characterization of Polythene Films

#### 4.2.1. Weight Reduction Analysis

Pure PE and PE-TiO2 composite films were exposed with UV and artificial light constantly for 300 hours under ambient conditions. Parallel studies were conducted with no irradiation under darkness. TiO2 photocatalyst absorbs only UV light (λ< 380 nm), thus only UV light plays a role in solar degradation of PE-TiO2 composite plastic. In order to reveal the photocatalytic degradation behavior the photo degradation reaction was conducted under ambient air in a lamp-housing box (50 cm × 40 cm × 30 cm) as shown in Figure 4. Pure PE and PE-TiO2 doped & undoped composite films were irradiated by two 6W UVL-56 UV lamps. The primary wavelength of the lamps was 365 nm and the light intensity measured with ABM Model 150 digital intensity meter was 1.4 mW/cm2 at 3 cm away from the lamps.  For artificial light source a common household energy saver bulb of TORNADO 24 watt was used. Table 3 shows the summary of the photo catalyzed weight loss of pure PE film and PE-TiO2 composite films with Fe, Ag, and Fe/Ag mix doping under UV irradiation, artificial light and darkness. Figure 5 shows the details of percent weight reduction under UV light and Figure 6 shows the details of percent weight reduction under artificial light. Negligible change was detected in all PE films with or without TiO2 under darkness.Table 3
Photo catalyzed weight reduction (maximum) of pure PE films and PE-TiO2 composite films.
Sr. no.Sample nameMaximum weight reduction (%)UVArtificial lightDark1Pure PE3.320.65No reduction2PE + TiO210.66.51= do =3PE + Fe doped TiO213.4911.9= do =4PE + Ag doped TiO213.7514.28= do =5PE + Fe/Ag mix doped TiO214.3413.18= do =Figure 4
Schematic diagram of photocatalytic reactor: (a) lamp housing box, (b) two ultraviolet lamps, (c) air and water inlet, and (d) sample dishes.Figure 5
Effect of UV irradiation on the photocatalytic degradation of PE films.Figure 6
Effect of artificial light on the photocatalytic degradation of PE films.


#### 4.2.2. Polythene Film Thickness

Almost twofold increase in the thickness of polythene films was observed after UV irradiation for 300 hours from 22–28μm range to 58–61 μm range as shown in Figure 7. This increase in thickness after degradation may possibly be due to the released species like CO2 causing swelling, affecting the overall thickness of the PE films.Thickness of PE films: (a) before and (b) after irradiation.
(a)(b)


#### 4.2.3. Surface Morphology of Polythene Films

Scanning electron microscope analysis was carried out to observe the surface changes of the films following photo degradation. Figures8(a) and 8(b) show that the surface of the PE film was smooth before UV irradiation but after UV exposure, due to photo degradation, cavities appeared randomly on the surface of the film.  Figures 8(c), 8(d), 8(e), and 8(f) show the texture of PE films with undoped TiO2, Fe doped TiO2, Ag doped TiO2 and Fe/Ag mix doped TiO2 under UV irradiation, respectively. After irradiation, there were some cavities in the PE film which had also been observed by other workers [14]. The formation of these cavities might be due to the escape of volatile products from PE matrix. More cavities were found on the surface of PE-TiO2 composite film.  Figures 8(c), 8(d), 8(e), and 8(f) show that the degradation is greater than that of PE-TiO2 composite film. These results were in accordance with the weight loss data shown in Figures 7 and 8. SEM images suggested that the degradation of PE matrix started from PE-TiO2 interface and led to the formation of cavities around TiO2 particles. It implied that the active oxygen species generated on TiO2 surface diffused and degraded the polymer matrix. This is further strengthened by the thickness analysis of the PE films.SEM images of PE films before and after irradiation: (a) PE film before irradiation, (b) PE film after irradiation, (c) PE-TiO2 film after irradiation, (d) PE-Fe doped TiO2 film after irradiation, (e) PE-Ag doped TiO2 film after irradiation, and (f) PE-Fe/Ag mix doped TiO2 film after irradiation.
(a)(b)(c)(d)(e)(f)


#### 4.2.4. Spectroscopic Analysis

Figure9 shows the FTIR spectra of pure PE films before and after irradiation and PE-TiO2 (doped and undoped) composite films after UV irradiation. Spectrum of the PE film before irradiation show the characteristic absorption peaks of long alkyl chain in the region of 2919 cm-1, 2857 cm-1, 1475 cm-1, and 715 cm-1.  Figures 9(b), 9(c), 9(d), 9(e), and 9(f) show the FTIR spectra of the PE, PE-TiO2, PE-Fe doped TiO2, PE-Ag doped TiO2, and PE-Fe/Ag mix doped TiO2 after irradiation, respectively. There were new absorption peaks for composite films in the region of 1716 cm-1, 1629 cm-1, and 1175 cm-1, which could be assigned to C=O, C=C and C–O stretching vibrations, respectively [10]. The Peak at 3507 cm-1 can be assigned to -OH stretching that may be formed by the hydrolysis reaction.Figure 9
FTIR spectra of PE films before and after irradiation: (a) PE film before irradiation, (b) PE film after irradiation, (c) PE-TiO2 film after irradiation, (d) PE-Fe doped TiO2 film after irradiation, (e) PE-Ag doped TiO2 film after irradiation, and (f) PE-Fe/Ag mix doped TiO2 film after irradiation.


#### 4.2.5. Degradation Mechanism of Polythene Films

Photo degradation of pure PE has been extensively studied [17]. The reaction of pure PE film under UV irradiation occurs via direct absorption of photons by the PE macromolecule to create excited states and then undergo chain scission, branching, cross-linking and oxidation reactions [18]. For composite films, photocatalytic degradation is the main reaction, which is quite different from the photolytic degradation of pure PE film. For PE-TiO2, the photo degradation of PE mainly happens on the film surface where electrons or holes combine with adsorbed oxygen molecules or hydroxyl ion to produce O2- or ·OH, two very important reactive oxygen species for the degradation of PE. In the photocatalytic degradation of PE-TiO2/Fe/Ag, not only O2- and ·OH but also the holes that are generated in the ground state of Fe/Ag play an important role. Efficient holes production occurs in the ground state of Fe/Ag under irradiation. Although holes in the ground state of Fe/Ag have lower oxidative ability than those in the valence band of TiO2, it is energetically favorable for these to participate in the oxidation of PE polymer. Further dopants like Fe and Ag can act as both h+/e- traps to reduce the recombination rate of h+/e- pairs and enhance the photocatalytic activity [19] (2)TiO2+hυ→TiO2(e-+h+)h++-(CH2CH2)-→-(CH2CH2)-+-(CH2CH2)-++O2-→-(C·HCH2)-+HO2·HO2·+HO2·→H2O2+O2H2O2→hυ2·OH.
Embedded TiO2 NPs can generate enough ·OH to photo degrade inner PE. The active oxygen species described above, initiate the degradation reaction by attacking neighboring polymer chains [7]. The degradation process spatially extends into the polymer matrix through the diffusion of the reactive oxygen species. Once the carbon-centered radicals are introduced in the polymer chain, their successive reactions lead to the chain cleavage with the oxygen incorporation and species containing carbonyl & carboxyl groups are produced. These intermediates can be further photo catalytically oxidized to CO2 and H2O by the aid of reactive oxygen species [20].


## 4.1. Characterization of TiO2 Nanoparticles

### 4.1.1. X-Ray Diffraction Analysis

Table1 shows the results of X-ray diffraction analysis, which demonstrate a variation in nanoparticles size as compared to a previous study [15]. This study reported that the average size of prepared Ag doped TiO2 NPs was 14 nm while Ag doped TiO2 NPs prepared in current study were in the 11.27 to 42.52 nm range. This difference may be due to the TiO2 source, as GPR TiO2 was used as TiO2 source in the current study while P-25 Degussa was used in the previous one. Figure 1 shows the respective XRD patterns of doped and undoped TiO2 NPs.Table 1
Crystal sizes of doped and undoped TiO2 nanoparticles.
Sr. no.Sample nameCrystal size (nm)MaximumMinimum1Undoped TiO242.5226.722Fe doped TiO242.5226.723Ag doped TiO242.5211.274Fe/Ag mix doped TiO242.5220.09XRD patterns: (a) undoped TiO2, (b) Fe doped TiO2, (c) Ag doped TiO2, and (d) Fe/Ag mix doped TiO2.
(a)(b)(c)(d)


### 4.1.2. SEM Analysis

Figure2 shows the images of doped and undoped TiO2 NPs obtained with scanning electron microscope. These images show that the distribution of the dopant metals on the surface of TiO2 is not uniform and doped species contain irregular shaped particles which are aggregations of tiny crystals. SEM analysis verifies the results of previous reported work [15].SEM images of TiO2 NPs: (a) undoped TiO2, (b) Fe doped TiO2, (c) Ag doped TiO2, and (d) Fe/Ag mix doped TiO2.
(a)(b)(c)(d)


### 4.1.3. EDS Analysis

Figure3 shows the EDS spectra of doped and undoped TiO2 NPs. EDS analysis shows that the percent composition is not consistent in the doped TiO2 NPs. It varies from point to point showing that composition of the prepared NPs is not homogeneous. It confirms the SEM results. Average composition of doped and undoped NPs is given as in Table 2.Table 2
EDS analysis of doped and undoped TiO2 nanoparticles.
Sr. no.Sample nameElements in percent ratioTiFeAg1Undoped TiO2100.00——2Fe doped TiO299.080.92—3Ag doped TiO299.09—0.914Fe/Ag mix doped TiO298.990.480.53EDS spectra of TiO2 NPs: (a) undoped TiO2, (b) Fe doped TiO2, (c) Ag doped TiO2, and (d) Fe/Ag mix doped TiO2.
(a)(b)(c)(d)


## 4.1.1. X-Ray Diffraction Analysis

Table1 shows the results of X-ray diffraction analysis, which demonstrate a variation in nanoparticles size as compared to a previous study [15]. This study reported that the average size of prepared Ag doped TiO2 NPs was 14 nm while Ag doped TiO2 NPs prepared in current study were in the 11.27 to 42.52 nm range. This difference may be due to the TiO2 source, as GPR TiO2 was used as TiO2 source in the current study while P-25 Degussa was used in the previous one. Figure 1 shows the respective XRD patterns of doped and undoped TiO2 NPs.Table 1
Crystal sizes of doped and undoped TiO2 nanoparticles.
Sr. no.Sample nameCrystal size (nm)MaximumMinimum1Undoped TiO242.5226.722Fe doped TiO242.5226.723Ag doped TiO242.5211.274Fe/Ag mix doped TiO242.5220.09XRD patterns: (a) undoped TiO2, (b) Fe doped TiO2, (c) Ag doped TiO2, and (d) Fe/Ag mix doped TiO2.
(a)(b)(c)(d)


## 4.1.2. SEM Analysis

Figure2 shows the images of doped and undoped TiO2 NPs obtained with scanning electron microscope. These images show that the distribution of the dopant metals on the surface of TiO2 is not uniform and doped species contain irregular shaped particles which are aggregations of tiny crystals. SEM analysis verifies the results of previous reported work [15].SEM images of TiO2 NPs: (a) undoped TiO2, (b) Fe doped TiO2, (c) Ag doped TiO2, and (d) Fe/Ag mix doped TiO2.
(a)(b)(c)(d)


## 4.1.3. EDS Analysis

Figure3 shows the EDS spectra of doped and undoped TiO2 NPs. EDS analysis shows that the percent composition is not consistent in the doped TiO2 NPs. It varies from point to point showing that composition of the prepared NPs is not homogeneous. It confirms the SEM results. Average composition of doped and undoped NPs is given as in Table 2.Table 2
EDS analysis of doped and undoped TiO2 nanoparticles.
Sr. no.Sample nameElements in percent ratioTiFeAg1Undoped TiO2100.00——2Fe doped TiO299.080.92—3Ag doped TiO299.09—0.914Fe/Ag mix doped TiO298.990.480.53EDS spectra of TiO2 NPs: (a) undoped TiO2, (b) Fe doped TiO2, (c) Ag doped TiO2, and (d) Fe/Ag mix doped TiO2.
(a)(b)(c)(d)


## 4.2. Characterization of Polythene Films

### 4.2.1. Weight Reduction Analysis

Pure PE and PE-TiO2 composite films were exposed with UV and artificial light constantly for 300 hours under ambient conditions. Parallel studies were conducted with no irradiation under darkness. TiO2 photocatalyst absorbs only UV light (λ< 380 nm), thus only UV light plays a role in solar degradation of PE-TiO2 composite plastic. In order to reveal the photocatalytic degradation behavior the photo degradation reaction was conducted under ambient air in a lamp-housing box (50 cm × 40 cm × 30 cm) as shown in Figure 4. Pure PE and PE-TiO2 doped & undoped composite films were irradiated by two 6W UVL-56 UV lamps. The primary wavelength of the lamps was 365 nm and the light intensity measured with ABM Model 150 digital intensity meter was 1.4 mW/cm2 at 3 cm away from the lamps.  For artificial light source a common household energy saver bulb of TORNADO 24 watt was used. Table 3 shows the summary of the photo catalyzed weight loss of pure PE film and PE-TiO2 composite films with Fe, Ag, and Fe/Ag mix doping under UV irradiation, artificial light and darkness. Figure 5 shows the details of percent weight reduction under UV light and Figure 6 shows the details of percent weight reduction under artificial light. Negligible change was detected in all PE films with or without TiO2 under darkness.Table 3
Photo catalyzed weight reduction (maximum) of pure PE films and PE-TiO2 composite films.
Sr. no.Sample nameMaximum weight reduction (%)UVArtificial lightDark1Pure PE3.320.65No reduction2PE + TiO210.66.51= do =3PE + Fe doped TiO213.4911.9= do =4PE + Ag doped TiO213.7514.28= do =5PE + Fe/Ag mix doped TiO214.3413.18= do =Figure 4
Schematic diagram of photocatalytic reactor: (a) lamp housing box, (b) two ultraviolet lamps, (c) air and water inlet, and (d) sample dishes.Figure 5
Effect of UV irradiation on the photocatalytic degradation of PE films.Figure 6
Effect of artificial light on the photocatalytic degradation of PE films.


### 4.2.2. Polythene Film Thickness

Almost twofold increase in the thickness of polythene films was observed after UV irradiation for 300 hours from 22–28μm range to 58–61 μm range as shown in Figure 7. This increase in thickness after degradation may possibly be due to the released species like CO2 causing swelling, affecting the overall thickness of the PE films.Thickness of PE films: (a) before and (b) after irradiation.
(a)(b)


### 4.2.3. Surface Morphology of Polythene Films

Scanning electron microscope analysis was carried out to observe the surface changes of the films following photo degradation. Figures8(a) and 8(b) show that the surface of the PE film was smooth before UV irradiation but after UV exposure, due to photo degradation, cavities appeared randomly on the surface of the film.  Figures 8(c), 8(d), 8(e), and 8(f) show the texture of PE films with undoped TiO2, Fe doped TiO2, Ag doped TiO2 and Fe/Ag mix doped TiO2 under UV irradiation, respectively. After irradiation, there were some cavities in the PE film which had also been observed by other workers [14]. The formation of these cavities might be due to the escape of volatile products from PE matrix. More cavities were found on the surface of PE-TiO2 composite film.  Figures 8(c), 8(d), 8(e), and 8(f) show that the degradation is greater than that of PE-TiO2 composite film. These results were in accordance with the weight loss data shown in Figures 7 and 8. SEM images suggested that the degradation of PE matrix started from PE-TiO2 interface and led to the formation of cavities around TiO2 particles. It implied that the active oxygen species generated on TiO2 surface diffused and degraded the polymer matrix. This is further strengthened by the thickness analysis of the PE films.SEM images of PE films before and after irradiation: (a) PE film before irradiation, (b) PE film after irradiation, (c) PE-TiO2 film after irradiation, (d) PE-Fe doped TiO2 film after irradiation, (e) PE-Ag doped TiO2 film after irradiation, and (f) PE-Fe/Ag mix doped TiO2 film after irradiation.
(a)(b)(c)(d)(e)(f)


### 4.2.4. Spectroscopic Analysis

Figure9 shows the FTIR spectra of pure PE films before and after irradiation and PE-TiO2 (doped and undoped) composite films after UV irradiation. Spectrum of the PE film before irradiation show the characteristic absorption peaks of long alkyl chain in the region of 2919 cm-1, 2857 cm-1, 1475 cm-1, and 715 cm-1.  Figures 9(b), 9(c), 9(d), 9(e), and 9(f) show the FTIR spectra of the PE, PE-TiO2, PE-Fe doped TiO2, PE-Ag doped TiO2, and PE-Fe/Ag mix doped TiO2 after irradiation, respectively. There were new absorption peaks for composite films in the region of 1716 cm-1, 1629 cm-1, and 1175 cm-1, which could be assigned to C=O, C=C and C–O stretching vibrations, respectively [10]. The Peak at 3507 cm-1 can be assigned to -OH stretching that may be formed by the hydrolysis reaction.Figure 9
FTIR spectra of PE films before and after irradiation: (a) PE film before irradiation, (b) PE film after irradiation, (c) PE-TiO2 film after irradiation, (d) PE-Fe doped TiO2 film after irradiation, (e) PE-Ag doped TiO2 film after irradiation, and (f) PE-Fe/Ag mix doped TiO2 film after irradiation.


### 4.2.5. Degradation Mechanism of Polythene Films

Photo degradation of pure PE has been extensively studied [17]. The reaction of pure PE film under UV irradiation occurs via direct absorption of photons by the PE macromolecule to create excited states and then undergo chain scission, branching, cross-linking and oxidation reactions [18]. For composite films, photocatalytic degradation is the main reaction, which is quite different from the photolytic degradation of pure PE film. For PE-TiO2, the photo degradation of PE mainly happens on the film surface where electrons or holes combine with adsorbed oxygen molecules or hydroxyl ion to produce O2- or ·OH, two very important reactive oxygen species for the degradation of PE. In the photocatalytic degradation of PE-TiO2/Fe/Ag, not only O2- and ·OH but also the holes that are generated in the ground state of Fe/Ag play an important role. Efficient holes production occurs in the ground state of Fe/Ag under irradiation. Although holes in the ground state of Fe/Ag have lower oxidative ability than those in the valence band of TiO2, it is energetically favorable for these to participate in the oxidation of PE polymer. Further dopants like Fe and Ag can act as both h+/e- traps to reduce the recombination rate of h+/e- pairs and enhance the photocatalytic activity [19] (2)TiO2+hυ→TiO2(e-+h+)h++-(CH2CH2)-→-(CH2CH2)-+-(CH2CH2)-++O2-→-(C·HCH2)-+HO2·HO2·+HO2·→H2O2+O2H2O2→hυ2·OH.
Embedded TiO2 NPs can generate enough ·OH to photo degrade inner PE. The active oxygen species described above, initiate the degradation reaction by attacking neighboring polymer chains [7]. The degradation process spatially extends into the polymer matrix through the diffusion of the reactive oxygen species. Once the carbon-centered radicals are introduced in the polymer chain, their successive reactions lead to the chain cleavage with the oxygen incorporation and species containing carbonyl & carboxyl groups are produced. These intermediates can be further photo catalytically oxidized to CO2 and H2O by the aid of reactive oxygen species [20].


## 4.2.1. Weight Reduction Analysis

Pure PE and PE-TiO2 composite films were exposed with UV and artificial light constantly for 300 hours under ambient conditions. Parallel studies were conducted with no irradiation under darkness. TiO2 photocatalyst absorbs only UV light (λ< 380 nm), thus only UV light plays a role in solar degradation of PE-TiO2 composite plastic. In order to reveal the photocatalytic degradation behavior the photo degradation reaction was conducted under ambient air in a lamp-housing box (50 cm × 40 cm × 30 cm) as shown in Figure 4. Pure PE and PE-TiO2 doped & undoped composite films were irradiated by two 6W UVL-56 UV lamps. The primary wavelength of the lamps was 365 nm and the light intensity measured with ABM Model 150 digital intensity meter was 1.4 mW/cm2 at 3 cm away from the lamps.  For artificial light source a common household energy saver bulb of TORNADO 24 watt was used. Table 3 shows the summary of the photo catalyzed weight loss of pure PE film and PE-TiO2 composite films with Fe, Ag, and Fe/Ag mix doping under UV irradiation, artificial light and darkness. Figure 5 shows the details of percent weight reduction under UV light and Figure 6 shows the details of percent weight reduction under artificial light. Negligible change was detected in all PE films with or without TiO2 under darkness.Table 3
Photo catalyzed weight reduction (maximum) of pure PE films and PE-TiO2 composite films.
Sr. no.Sample nameMaximum weight reduction (%)UVArtificial lightDark1Pure PE3.320.65No reduction2PE + TiO210.66.51= do =3PE + Fe doped TiO213.4911.9= do =4PE + Ag doped TiO213.7514.28= do =5PE + Fe/Ag mix doped TiO214.3413.18= do =Figure 4
Schematic diagram of photocatalytic reactor: (a) lamp housing box, (b) two ultraviolet lamps, (c) air and water inlet, and (d) sample dishes.Figure 5
Effect of UV irradiation on the photocatalytic degradation of PE films.Figure 6
Effect of artificial light on the photocatalytic degradation of PE films.


## 4.2.2. Polythene Film Thickness

Almost twofold increase in the thickness of polythene films was observed after UV irradiation for 300 hours from 22–28μm range to 58–61 μm range as shown in Figure 7. This increase in thickness after degradation may possibly be due to the released species like CO2 causing swelling, affecting the overall thickness of the PE films.Thickness of PE films: (a) before and (b) after irradiation.
(a)(b)


## 4.2.3. Surface Morphology of Polythene Films

Scanning electron microscope analysis was carried out to observe the surface changes of the films following photo degradation. Figures8(a) and 8(b) show that the surface of the PE film was smooth before UV irradiation but after UV exposure, due to photo degradation, cavities appeared randomly on the surface of the film.  Figures 8(c), 8(d), 8(e), and 8(f) show the texture of PE films with undoped TiO2, Fe doped TiO2, Ag doped TiO2 and Fe/Ag mix doped TiO2 under UV irradiation, respectively. After irradiation, there were some cavities in the PE film which had also been observed by other workers [14]. The formation of these cavities might be due to the escape of volatile products from PE matrix. More cavities were found on the surface of PE-TiO2 composite film.  Figures 8(c), 8(d), 8(e), and 8(f) show that the degradation is greater than that of PE-TiO2 composite film. These results were in accordance with the weight loss data shown in Figures 7 and 8. SEM images suggested that the degradation of PE matrix started from PE-TiO2 interface and led to the formation of cavities around TiO2 particles. It implied that the active oxygen species generated on TiO2 surface diffused and degraded the polymer matrix. This is further strengthened by the thickness analysis of the PE films.SEM images of PE films before and after irradiation: (a) PE film before irradiation, (b) PE film after irradiation, (c) PE-TiO2 film after irradiation, (d) PE-Fe doped TiO2 film after irradiation, (e) PE-Ag doped TiO2 film after irradiation, and (f) PE-Fe/Ag mix doped TiO2 film after irradiation.
(a)(b)(c)(d)(e)(f)


## 4.2.4. Spectroscopic Analysis

Figure9 shows the FTIR spectra of pure PE films before and after irradiation and PE-TiO2 (doped and undoped) composite films after UV irradiation. Spectrum of the PE film before irradiation show the characteristic absorption peaks of long alkyl chain in the region of 2919 cm-1, 2857 cm-1, 1475 cm-1, and 715 cm-1.  Figures 9(b), 9(c), 9(d), 9(e), and 9(f) show the FTIR spectra of the PE, PE-TiO2, PE-Fe doped TiO2, PE-Ag doped TiO2, and PE-Fe/Ag mix doped TiO2 after irradiation, respectively. There were new absorption peaks for composite films in the region of 1716 cm-1, 1629 cm-1, and 1175 cm-1, which could be assigned to C=O, C=C and C–O stretching vibrations, respectively [10]. The Peak at 3507 cm-1 can be assigned to -OH stretching that may be formed by the hydrolysis reaction.Figure 9
FTIR spectra of PE films before and after irradiation: (a) PE film before irradiation, (b) PE film after irradiation, (c) PE-TiO2 film after irradiation, (d) PE-Fe doped TiO2 film after irradiation, (e) PE-Ag doped TiO2 film after irradiation, and (f) PE-Fe/Ag mix doped TiO2 film after irradiation.


## 4.2.5. Degradation Mechanism of Polythene Films

Photo degradation of pure PE has been extensively studied [17]. The reaction of pure PE film under UV irradiation occurs via direct absorption of photons by the PE macromolecule to create excited states and then undergo chain scission, branching, cross-linking and oxidation reactions [18]. For composite films, photocatalytic degradation is the main reaction, which is quite different from the photolytic degradation of pure PE film. For PE-TiO2, the photo degradation of PE mainly happens on the film surface where electrons or holes combine with adsorbed oxygen molecules or hydroxyl ion to produce O2- or ·OH, two very important reactive oxygen species for the degradation of PE. In the photocatalytic degradation of PE-TiO2/Fe/Ag, not only O2- and ·OH but also the holes that are generated in the ground state of Fe/Ag play an important role. Efficient holes production occurs in the ground state of Fe/Ag under irradiation. Although holes in the ground state of Fe/Ag have lower oxidative ability than those in the valence band of TiO2, it is energetically favorable for these to participate in the oxidation of PE polymer. Further dopants like Fe and Ag can act as both h+/e- traps to reduce the recombination rate of h+/e- pairs and enhance the photocatalytic activity [19] (2)TiO2+hυ→TiO2(e-+h+)h++-(CH2CH2)-→-(CH2CH2)-+-(CH2CH2)-++O2-→-(C·HCH2)-+HO2·HO2·+HO2·→H2O2+O2H2O2→hυ2·OH.
Embedded TiO2 NPs can generate enough ·OH to photo degrade inner PE. The active oxygen species described above, initiate the degradation reaction by attacking neighboring polymer chains [7]. The degradation process spatially extends into the polymer matrix through the diffusion of the reactive oxygen species. Once the carbon-centered radicals are introduced in the polymer chain, their successive reactions lead to the chain cleavage with the oxygen incorporation and species containing carbonyl & carboxyl groups are produced. These intermediates can be further photo catalytically oxidized to CO2 and H2O by the aid of reactive oxygen species [20].


## 5. Conclusions

Doping of TiO2 NPs by Liquid Impregnation method alters its characteristics such as particle size and surface morphology.  The effect of mix doping is midway between that of the doping effect by a single metal alone. This indicates that metal ratios can be adjusted to get a desired impact for a particular requirement.  This idea was implied and verified in the photo degradation of PE under UV and artificial light irradiation. Photo degradation of PE-TiO2 films occurred at faster rate and was more complete than the simple photo degradation of pure PE films under UV and artificial light irradiation. Among the PE-TiO2 films, the degradation of doped TiO2 composite film was greater than the undoped TiO2 composite film both under UV and artificial light irradiation. Overall degradation trend can be represented as
(3)PE-dopedTiO2>PE-undopedTiO2>simplePE.
Catalytic trend among the doped TiO2 NPs under UV irradiation can be represented as
(4)Fe/AgmixdopedTiO2>AgdopedTiO2≅FedopedTiO2.
Catalytic trend among the doped TiO2 NPs under artificial light can be represented as
(5)AgdopedTiO2>Fe/AgmixdopedTiO2>FedopedTiO2.
It is our observation that development of this kind of composite polymer can lead to an environmental friendly polythene product.



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*Source: 461930-2010-08-10.xml*