3D hierarchical rare-earth metal composite nanofiber membranes for highly durable and efficient photodegradations of organic pollutants

UNPAD & Partners Deliver 3D Rare-Earth Nanofiber Membranes for Durable, Efficient Water Cleanup (SDG 6 & SDG 12)
A multi-institution team including Universitas Padjadjaran has developed 3D hierarchical photocatalytic membranes by growing lanthanum-doped rare-earth oxide nanorods directly on PAN/PVDF nanofibers via electrospinning + hydrothermal synthesis. The resulting membrane tackles common water pollutants—Congo red, methyl orange, methylene blue, and tetracycline—with markedly faster kinetics and easy recovery compared to powder catalysts. In tests, the degradation rate constant for methylene blue increased ~4.3× versus the undoped control, and the membrane showed ~5% performance loss after five reuse cycles, highlighting strong durability. Mechanistically, the formation of a CeCO₃F phase and improved charge separation underpin the gains.

Discover more: https://doi.org/10.1039/D4MA01144A