Green synthesis of pistachio shell-derived carbon nanofibers: synergistic photocatalytic activity in TiO₂ nanocomposites

This research investigates the green synthesis of carbon nanofibers derived from pistachio shells and their integration into titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanocomposites for enhanced photocatalytic applications. Nanofibers, characterized by diameters typically below 500 nm, are prepared through electrospinning, a versatile method for fabricating fibrous materials from various polymers. The study outlines a comprehensive synthesis pathway for carbon nanofibers from pistachio shells, involving resinification, polymer solution preparation, electrospinning, thermal stabilization, and carbonization. Key process parameters, including polymer solution concentration (12–40 wt%), applied voltage (14–23 kV), and polymer injection rate (0.2–1.2 mL.h⁻¹), were experimentally examined to understand their influence on nanofiber diameter. The synthesized nanofibers underwent characterization using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy

(FE-SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and UV-Vis analysis to confirm their structural and chemical properties. Subsequently, nanocomposite nanofibers incorporating TiO₂ nanoparticles were developed. The primary application evaluated was the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue, demonstrating the synergistic activity of the prepared nanocomposites in environmental remediation.

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