Issue 44, 2015

In situ synthesis of flexible hierarchical TiO2 nanofibrous membranes with enhanced photocatalytic activity

Abstract

Construction of nanoparticle modified titanium dioxide nanofibrous membranes (TiNFs) with a mesoporous and stable nanoparticle-nanofiber composite structure would have significant implication for environmental remediation; however, currently nanoparticle-TiNFs are generally brittle with poor structural integrity upon large deformation; thus, creating flexible, robust, and stable nanoparticle-TiNF composites has proven to be extremely challenging. Herein, we report flexible and hierarchical mesoporous TiO2 nanoparticle (TiO2 NP) modified TiNF (TiNFNPs) composites fabricated by the combination of sol–gel electrospinning and in situ polymerization. The electrospun TiNFs served as templates and a synthesized bifunctional benzoxazine (BA-a) was used as a novel carrier and fixative for non-agglomerated growth of TiO2 NPs. Benefiting from the large surface area, high porosity, homogeneity, stable nanofiber–nanoparticle composite structure, and robust mechanical properties, the as-prepared anatase TiNFNPs exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity towards methylene blue including fast degradation within 30 min, good reversibility in 4 cycles, and easiness of recycling. Moreover, the degradation products have been analysed and TiNFNPs exhibited better photodegradation performance towards methylene blue compared with a commercial catalyst (P25). Significantly, the successful synthesis of such fascinating materials may provide a versatile platform for further development of nanofibrous membrane-based photoreactors towards water and air pollutant treatment.

Graphical abstract: In situ synthesis of flexible hierarchical TiO2 nanofibrous membranes with enhanced photocatalytic activity

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
17 Jul 2015
Accepted
21 Sep 2015
First published
21 Sep 2015

J. Mater. Chem. A, 2015,3, 22136-22144

In situ synthesis of flexible hierarchical TiO2 nanofibrous membranes with enhanced photocatalytic activity

R. Zhang, X. Wang, J. Song, Y. Si, X. Zhuang, J. Yu and B. Ding, J. Mater. Chem. A, 2015, 3, 22136 DOI: 10.1039/C5TA05442G

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