Decoration of titania nanofibres with anatase nanoparticles as efficient photocatalysts for decomposing pesticides and phenols

Using a series of partial phase transitions, an effective photocatalyst with fibril morphology was prepared. The catalytic activities of these materials were tested against phenol and herbicide in water. Both H-titanate and TiO2-(B) fibres decorated with anatase nanocrystals were studied. It was found that anatase coated TiO2-(B) fibres prepared by a 45 h hydrothermal treatment followed by calcination were not only superior photocatalysts but could also be readily separated from the slurry after photocatalytic reactions due to its fibril morphology.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (138 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Effective photocatalyst with fibril morphology was prepared. ► Catalytic activities were tested using phenol and herbicide in water. ► Both H-titanate and TiO2-(B) fibres decorated with anatase nanocrystals were studied.