Ionic liquid based surfactant-free microemulsion as a new protocol for preparation of visible light active poly(methyl methacrylate)/TiO nanocomposite.

The practical application of sensitized TiO nanocomposites is very satisfying due to their high photon utilization in visible light, simple recovery without affecting the photocatalytic performance, high energy efficiency, low potential environmental risk, and low operational costs. The objective of this study is developing the ionic liquid (IL)-based surfactant-free microemulsion, as a soft template, for preparation of a novel type of sensitized poly(methyl methacrylate)/TiO nanocomposite (PMMA/TiO/IL). For this purpose, a series of visible light-responsive PMMA/TiO/IL transparent nanocomposites were prepared in microemulsion composed of methyl methacrylate monomer, 1-buthyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([bmim][BF]), and 1-buthanol as amphi-solvent.

Applications of a new type of poly(methyl methacrylate)/TiO2 nanocomposite as an antibacterial agent and a reducing photocatalyst.

A new type of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/TiO2 nanocomposite film sensitized by ionic liquids with a low dosage of TiO2 nanoparticles was prepared based on a microemulsion method. The photocatalytic activity, via the photoreduction of 4-nitrophenole (4-NP) to 4-aminophenole (4-AP) by NaBH4, and the photocatalytic-based antibacterial activity, for the destruction of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, of the prepared nanocomposite film were investigated. The conditions for the maximum efficiency in the presence of visible light irradiation have been evaluated.