In situ decoration of TiO2 nanoparticles on the surface of cellulose fibers and study of their photocatalytic and antibacterial activities

Abstract

A facile single-step hydrothermal method was used for the decoration of titania (TiO2) nanoparticles (diameter ca. 40–250 nm) on the surface of cellulose fibers. These cellulose fibers decorated with TiO2 nanoparticles were used to prepare paper matrices by the handsheet-making procedure. The papers showed excellent photocatalytic activity by degrading methyl orange in the presence of UV light and also showed promising antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli. Both the photocatalytic and antibacterial applications of these paper matrices were studied by varying the TiO2 contents from 1 to 10 wt%. Cellulose fibers decorated with TiO2 nanoparticles by a single-step in situ hydrothermal method were used to fabricate paper matrices by the handsheet-making procedure. The study of the photocatalytic and antibacterial applications of these paper matrices was carried out against methyl orange and E. coli, respectively.