TiO2–Based Nanofibrous Membranes for Environmental Protection

Abstract

Electrospinning is a unique technique that can be used to synthesize polymer and metal oxide nanofibers. In materials science, a very active field is represented by research on electrospun nanofibers. Fibrous membranes present fascinating features, such as a large surface area to volume ratio, excellent mechanical behavior, and a large surface area, which have many applications. Numerous techniques are available for the nanofiber’s synthesis, but electrospinning is presented as a simple process that allows one to obtain porous membranes containing smooth non-woven nanofibers. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is the most widely used catalyst in photocatalytic degradation processes, it has advantages such as good photocatalytic activity, excellent chemical stability, low cost and non-toxicity. Thus, titanium dioxide (TiO2) is used in the synthesis of nanofibrous membranes that benefit experimental research by easy recyclability, excellent photocatalytic activity, high specific surface areas, and exhibiting stable hierarchical nanostructures. This article presents the synthesis of fiber membranes through the processes of electrospinning, coaxial electrospinning, electrospinning and electrospraying or electrospinning and precipitation. In addition to the synthesis of membranes, the recent progress of researchers emphasizing the efficiency of nanofiber photocatalytic membranes in removing pollutants from wastewater is also presented.

TiO2/SiO2 spiral crimped Janus fibers engineered for stretchable ceramic membranes with high-temperature resistance

“…S7 †), it can be seen that the substance should be amorphous SiO 2 . 34 Fig. 2i shows the TG and derived TG (DTG) analysis curves of TiO 2 /SiO 2 NFMs and the corresponding nanofibrous membrane precursors.…”

Photocatalytic TiO2-Based Nanostructures as a Promising Material for Diverse Environmental Applications: A Review

“…The band-gap of titanium dioxide is termed 'direct', indicating that the transition of an e − from the VB to the CB does not require a conservation of momentum. However, there are suggestions in some studies of the indirect character of the TiO 2 ′ s band-gap, possibly due to the separation of O 2p and Ti 3d orbitals brought about by the crystal field from six O atoms [42,49]. This separation leads to a displacement of the CB, concerning momentum in relation to the VB.…”

Pitch/Metal Oxide Composite Fibers via Electrospinning for Environmental Applications

“…This structure provides access to photocatalytically active TiO 2 for the degradation of dye molecules such as MB. Since the mat composed of C/TiO 2 fibers can be approximated as a permeable membrane due to the voids between the fibers, even TiO 2 particles in the deeper layers of the electrospun mat remain active [70]. These results are promising for the application of composite fibers in photocatalytic processes, especially in areas such as wastewater treatment and environmental protection.…”