PVP-derived TiO2/C and TiO2/C/N Nanofibers by SBS with High Adsorption/Photocatalytic Capacity

A solution blow spinning (SBS) process was utilized to create nanofibers of TiO2/C and TiO2/C/N with potential applications in photocatalysis and dye adsorption. Polyvinylpyrrolidone was used as a carbon and nitrogen source. Their content in the TiO2 structure decreased as the temperature increased from 350 to 550 degrees C. Physical-chemical, morphological, and structural features were investigated. Adsorption and photodegradation experiments revealed that the material calcined at 400 degrees C had higher dye removal (98%) under dark settings, whereas the greater photodegradation efficiency under visible and UV light was 56% and 98%, respectively, for the sample calcined at 550 degrees C. The results suggest that the SBS has the potential to develop an efficient adsorbent and photocatalyst for use in treatments of contaminated water.