Controllable synthesis of CuS decorated TiO2 nanofibers for enhanced photocatalysis
Abstract
CuS decorated TiO2 nanofibers were successfully prepared by the combination of electrospinning and hydrothermal processes. The TiO2 nanofibers were prepared via heat treatment of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)/tetrabutyl titanate (Ti(OBu)4) composite nanofibers which were prepared through sol–gel processing. SEM (scanning electron microscopy) and TEM (transmission electron microscopy) images reveal that the diameters of TiO2 nanofibers are <100 nm and that island-like CuS particles attached to the TiO2 nanofibers form the heterostructure. The heterogeneous catalytic properties of the as-prepared samples were evaluated via methyl blue dye decomposition and the samples showed enhanced photocatalytic activity for the degradation of a simulation of pollutants.