Preparation of fibrous TiO2 photocatalyst and its optimization towards the decomposition of indoor ammonia under illumination

Aqueous dispersion containing TiO2 particles was firstly prepared and then mixed with silicone or acrylic additives to establish a treating bath. And the fibrous TiO2 photocatalysts were produced by padding three woven fabrics including cotton, polyester and flax fabrics as support materials with this treating bath and some factors affecting the preparation process were discussed. Moreover, the fibrous TiO2 photocatalysts were characterized by X-ray diffractometer, infrared Fourier transform spectrometer and scanning electron microscope, and evaluated with respect to the removal efficiency of ammonia under UV irradiation in air stream by a specifically designed photocatalytic reactor and environmental condition simulated chamber. The results showed that ammonia gas could well be decomposed by the fibrous TiO2 photocatalysts based on cotton and flax fabrics. Increasing the dosage of TiO2 aqueous dispersion led to the improved ammonia decomposition level of the fibrous TiO2 photocatalysts. The additives caused the reduced ammonia decomposition level of the fibrous TiO2 photocatalysts, but provided it with the enhanced resistance to water washing. The ammonia photocatalysis of the fibrous TiO2 photocatalysts was not much affected by curing temperature and dyed cotton fabrics when preparing.