TiO<sub>2</sub> Immobilized in RPF-AA Fiber for Photocatalytic Degradation of Low Concentration Methylene Blue in Aqueous Solution

Abstract

The reactive polymer fiber with high adsorption capacity and good mechanical properties, RPF-AA, was prepared by the processes of pre-treatment, modification of the commercial PAN fiber. In order to improve the repeating circles of the semiconductor titania photocatalyst and broaden its applications, fine titania particles immobilized in RPF-AA fibers (TiO2/RPF-AA) were prepared successfully at room temperature by a dip-coating method. Tetrabutyl orthotitanate (TBOT) was hydrolyzed in presence of hydrolysis control agent tetrabutylammonium hydroxide (TBA)OH and the TiO2 fine particles were crystallized under microwave (MW) irradiation. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses indicated that the fine particles obtained with MW irradiation have much higher crystallinity with a single phase anatase compared with the non-MW-treated solution. The continuous layers of titania were found on RPF-AA fibers by the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. The fibers with anatase coatings showed high photocatalytic property and better repetition on the photodegradation of MB. The coated fibers were scattered on the water surface and the catalytic reaction proceeded. After completion the decomposition process, the coated fibers were easily recovered using a filter.