As an important one-dimensional nanomaterial, electrospun nanofibers have attracted considerable attention because of their high specific surface area, ease of fabrication and functionalization, and versatility in controlling the fiber diameter and morphology. Electrospun nanofibers from stable polymers are ideal candidates for catalytic supports as they can provide a large surface area and a high porosity for catalytic applications. TiO2 electrospun nanofibers can be used in photodegradation processes owing to their promising properties of high stability, nontoxicity and easy preparation. However, the photocatalytic activity of TiO2 fibers is limited by fast electron�hole pairs recombination and a high energy band gap. Graphene, with high surface area, unique electronic properties and narrow energy band gap, can be used to separate the electron-hole pairs and improve the photocatalytic activity. Hybrid TiO2/graphene nanofibers have been successfully prepared by a two-step method, in which graphene are mixed with Ti4+ precursor solution before and after electrospinning and the as-spun nanofibers are calcined under controlled thermal atmospheric conditions. The result is hypothesized to be enhanced adsorption capacities and photocatalytic activity compared to other materials in the degradation of biomedical pollutants phenazopyridine or other toxic organic agents under UV light. The synthesis process, mechanistic study, and application of this class of nanofibers will be discussed.

Fabrication of TiO<sub>2</sub>/graphene electrospun nanofibers for photodegradation of biomedical and toxic pollutant

247th National Meeting (2014)

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Fabrication of TiO2/graphene electrospun nanofibers for photodegradation of biomedical and toxic pollutant

Fabrication of TiO₂/graphene electrospun nanofibers for photodegradation of biomedical and toxic pollutant