Electrospun TiO2 embedded nanofibers for photocatalytic applications

Abstract

The development of photocatalysts with low cost, high reactivity and easy recovery provides great potentials for environmental remediation. In this study, polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers containing titanium dioxide ([Formula: see text]) nanoparticles were successfully fabricated using a facile electrospinning technique. The effects of [Formula: see text] content, PAN concentration and thermal treatment on the adsorption and photocatalysis properties of [Formula: see text] nanofibers have been investigated. The results indicate that the embedded [Formula: see text] nanofibers possess the property to effectively decompose rhodamine B (RhB) under simulated sunlight irradiation. The enhanced photocatalytic activity can be attributed to the loading of [Formula: see text] nanoparticles and the property of polymer matrix.