In situ dual-functional water purification with simultaneous oil removal and visible light catalysis

Abstract

Dual purification of both oily wastewater and dye-polluted water for enhancing the use of freshwater is an urgent task. We report herein, the facile synthesis of inorganic semiconductor nanomaterials anchored mesh for in situ dual-functional water purification. This resultant mesh combines the excellent capacity of oil removal and the advantage of photocatalytic performance for dye degradation under visible light irradiation at the same time. In addition, the mesh was easily regenerated and remained unaltered in photocatalytic performance over five successive dye degradation cycles. Given the innovative integration of special wettability and photocatalytic activity of such a semiconductor material under visible light for dual elimination of various pollutants from water, we anticipate that this approach will provide a promising pathway for versatile applications in oily wastewater treatment, water purification and so on.