Abstract
Liquid-phase suspension photocatalysis of TiO2 nanoparticles usually accompanies drawbacks such as particle agglomeration, UV hindrance and difficult recovery process. Immobilizing the nanoparticles on polymeric fibers provides an effective solution to these problems. In this study, electrospun PAN-based nanofiber composites containing MWCNTs and P25-TiO2 are prepared, in order to eliminate the drawbacks regarding liquid-phase suspension photocatalysis, and to enhance the long-term stability of the composites. Under appropriate experimental parameters, composite fibers with diameter of few hundred nanometers are successfully produced. TiO2 particles are uniformly embbed in the nanofibers, and the composites still exhibit superior photocatalytic performances. The Methylene Blue (MB) photodegradation efficiencies are comparable between samples containing MWCNTs and those without MWCNTs. Besides, the nanocomposites possess reusability; MB degradation efficiency is maintained at approximately 90% during 5 runs of use for both samples. Furthermore, upon 20 hours UV irradiation, the composite containing MWCNTs shows less damaged fiber morphology than that without MWCNTs. According to MB degradation experiment, over 90% MB are degraded upon 4 hours UV irradiation; hence, the addition of MWCNTs provides sufficient stability to the composites.