Sustainable and reusable nanofiber mats embedded with green-synthesized selenium nanoparticles for photocatalytic degradation of cationic and reactive dyes

Demirci S., Sen S., SAN KESKİN N. O.

Journal of Materials Research, vol.40, no.24, pp.3430-3441, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 40 Issue: 24
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.1557/s43578-025-01746-w
  • Journal Name: Journal of Materials Research
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, ABI/INFORM, Chemical Abstracts Core, Chimica, Compendex, INSPEC
  • Page Numbers: pp.3430-3441
  • Keywords: Biological synthesis (chemical reaction), Nanostructure, Polymer, Se, Sustainability, Water
  • Ankara University Affiliated: No

Abstract

Electrospun nanofibers are a promising platform for sustainable wastewater treatment. In this study, polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofiber mats were functionalized with biogenically synthesized selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) for photocatalytic dye degradation. The SeNPs were produced using bacterial supernatant and were successfully attached to the PCL nanofibers, achieving a methylene blue (MB) removal rate of up to 92.45% under UV irradiation. The mats retained their structural integrity and reusability over four cycles. Under flow-mode conditions, removal efficiencies of 51.71%, 31.89% and 28.47% were achieved after 1, 3 and 5 h, respectively. Kinetic modelling indicated a pseudo-second-order adsorption mechanism. However, removal of reactive blue (RB) dye was limited to 5.76% after three hours, reflecting its structural complexity and resistance. These results suggest that SeNP–PCL nanofiber mats are efficient, reusable and environmentally friendly materials for the removal of cationic dyes, offering practical potential in sustainable wastewater purification systems.