%0 Journal Article
%T Z-scheme heterojunction g-C3N4-TiO2 reinforced chitosan/poly(vinyl alcohol) film: Efficient and recyclable for fruit packaging.
%A Gao X
%A Cao L
%A Wang L
%A Liu S
%A Zhang M
%A Li C
%A Waterhouse GIN
%A Fan H
%A Xu J
%J Int J Biol Macromol
%V 268
%N 0
%D 2024 May 16
%M 38636752
%F 8.025
%R 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.131627
%X Nanoparticles-loaded bio-based polymers have emerged as a sustainable substitute to traditional oil-based packaging materials, addressing the challenges of limited recyclability and significant environmental impact. However, the functionality and efficiency of nanoparticles have a significant impact on the application of bio-based composite films. Herein, graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) coupled photocatalyst (g-C3N4-TiO2) was prepared by one-step calcination and introduced into chitosan (CS) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) solution to fabricate g-C3N4-TiO2/CS/PVA green renewable composite film via solution casting method. The results demonstrated the successful preparation of a Z-scheme heterojunction g-C3N4-TiO2 with exceptional photocatalytic activity. Furthermore, the incorporation of heterojunction enhanced mechanical properties, water barrier, and ultraviolet (UV) resistance properties of the fresh-keeping film. The g-C3N4-TiO2/CS/PVA composite film exhibited superior photocatalytic antibacterial preservation efficacy on strawberries under LED light, with a prolonged preservation time of up to 120 h, when compared to other films such as polyethylene (PE), CS/PVA, g-C3N4/CS/PVA, and TiO2/CS/PVA. In addition, the composite film has good recyclability and renewability. This work is expected to have great potential for low-cost fruit preservation and sustainable packaging, which also contributes to environmental protection.