Synthesis of Titania Nanofibers for Photocatalytic Applications

Titania nanofibers were prepared using a colloidal solution of Titania nanoparticles and a templating method. The preparation comprises impregnation of cellulose fibers in the solution containing Titania nanoparticles followed by thermal removal of the cellulose template. It is evidenced by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) that the residue substance consists of micron size fibers with a microstructure of nanofibers. The pore size distribution of the substance is multi‐scale and fractal morphology was demonstrated with two fractal regimes with dimensions of 1.78 and 2.97 for sizes below and above 7.5 nm, respectively. The surface area of the Titania fibers was measured about 250 m²/g. The photocatalytic property of nanofibers was measured using methanol and cigarette smoke.

Keywords:

• titania
• nanofibers
• template
• fractal
• nanoparticle
• porous
• photocatalysis

This work was supported by the Hi‐tech Industries Center of the Ministry of Industry and Mine.