Fabrication, characterization and photocatalytic properties of millimeter-long TiO2 fiber with nanostructures using cellulose fiber as a template

Abstract

Abstract We report a millimeter-long TiO 2 fiber with nanostructures fabricated using bamboo cellulose fiber as a template. The method includes the in situ synthesis of titanium oxide nanoparticles in the cellulose fiber template and subsequent removal of the cellulose matrix by calcination. The prepared samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and transmission electron microscope (TEM) techniques. XRD pattern confirmed the crystalline phase of the prepared TiO 2 is anatase phase. From the observation of SEM image, the cellulose-templated TiO 2 inherited the initial millimetric length of the bamboo cellulose. TEM image revealed the millimeter-long TiO 2 was comprised of the spherical nanoparticles with the diameter of about 30 nm. Meanwhile, the as-fabricated TiO 2 presented a superior photocatalytic ability to decompose phenol under ultraviolet irradiation. This approach is facile, and would provide ready access to metallic oxide nanostructures of desired morphology and size with the appropriate templates.