Abstract

In the present study, we have prepared Titanium Oxide (TiO2) encapsulated Cellulose Acetate (CA) nanofiber membranes via electrospinning technique. Properties of the electrospun membranes were characterized by SEM, FTIR, water contact angle measurements, and antibacterial testing against common bacterial water contaminants including Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis. There was a little increase in the fiber diameter was observed in CA/TiO2 composite membranes as compared to that of pristine CA membranes. Also, the enhancement of hydrophilicity of CA membranes was observed upon the addition of TiO2. The photocatalytic potential of the membranes was confirmed by methylene blue dye degradation. Further, the electrospun nanofiber composite membranes were demonstrated for antibacterial filtration applications.

Keywords: Electrospinning; Antibacterial membranes; Microbial filters; Catalysis; Titanium oxide nanoparticles