TITANIA-BASED ELECTROSPUN NANOFIBERS AND THEIR PHOTOCATALYTIC PERFORMANCE

Abstract

In this work we present detailed optimization of the titania-based electrospun nanofibers fabrication procedure. The starting solutions were prepared from stabilized titanium (IV) isopropoxide and different polymers, such as PCL (polycaprolactone) and PVP (polyvinylpyrrolidone). We report on the correlation between the processing parameters and functional properties of as synthesized fibers. Microstructural analyses performed on SEM and FE-SEM have revealed branchy morphology of nanofibers uniform in shape and size. Anatase phase in as prepared and calcined samples was disclosed by in-depth analysis of TEM images and SAED spectra. The obtained fibers were used in UV/Vis photocatalytic reactor for degradation of dye-contaminated water solutions. Promising results were observed showing improved behavior compared to referent samples. Furthermore, the influence of various dopants on the photocatalytic properties was investigated.