Electrospinning Preparation and Photocatalytic Activity of Porous TiO₂ Nanofibers

Abstract

Porous TiO 2 nanofibers were prepared via a facile electrospinning method. The carbon nanospheres were mixed with the ethanol solution containing both poly(vinylpyrrolidone) and titanium tetraisopropoxide for electrospinning; and subsequent calcination of as‐spun nanofibers led to thermal decomposition of carbon nanospheres, leaving behind pores in the TiO 2 nanofibers. The morphology and phase structure of the products were investigated with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). Furthermore, the photocatalytic activity of porous TiO 2 nanofibers was evaluated by photodecomposition of methylene blue under UV light. Results showed that the porous TiO 2 nanofibers have higher surface area and enhanced photocatalysis activity, compared to nonporous TiO 2 nanofibers.