Mesoporous TiO2 to TiO2-Cellulose Composite and its Derivatives for Environmental Remediation

Mesoporous TiO2 nanoparticles and TiO2-cellulose composite fibers were synthesized via facile hydrolysis of TiOSO4 under microwave irradiation. The composite fibers were further converted to carbon fibers. These materials were endowed with high surface area and unique surface morphology that resulted in high photocatalytic activity for the decomposition of organics and the photocatalytic reduction of high-valence toxic metal ions. They are also efficient nanosorbents for the removal of micro-organic pollutants and heavy metal ions. The synthetic route and the structure of these materials were systematically studied, and the practical use of them was also illustrated by dynamic adsorption experiments.