Data from: Novel PVDF-CQD polymer nanocomposite membrane for removal of antibiotics from water

Carbon Quantum Dot (CQD) -based nanocomposites are widely used as
fluorescent sensors for the detection of antibiotics in water; however,
the use of CQDs for water remediation is largely unexplored. In this
study, a novel polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane modified with CQDs
was developed by electrospinning to remove ciprofloxacin from
water.  Hydrothermal method was employed to prepare CQD with
polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a precursor. FTIR and XRD Studies confirmed
the improved β-phase of PVDF, which is suitable for water remediation.
FESEM analysis confirmed that the CQD concentration was an effective
parameter for converting PVDF membrane into a porous and fibrous
morphology. Among the four membranes, the electro-spun PVDF with a 0.2 ml
CQD stock solution (SPVPC-2) exhibited better adsorption and
photodegradation efficiency, which could be determined by UV-visible
spectroscopy. SPVPC-2 achieved a maximum antibiotic removal efficiency of
81.5% after 5 h of UV exposure. The experiment was repeated in a dark
ambient to differentiate adsorption and photodegradation abilities.
SPVPC-2 exhibited good reusability after two cycles, with removal
efficiencies of 73.3% and 63.6%, respectively, following 90 min of UV
exposure. This study presents a promising approach for the development of
PVDF-CQD composite membranes for the removal of antibiotics from water.