Sol/gel production of TiO2 nanophotocatalyst and deposition on natural fiber

In this research، titania nanoparticles were produced from titanium tetraisopropoxide (TTIP) in acidic environment by sol/gel method and deposited on natural cotton and sack fiber. After elimination of cellulose by heating of the sample، fibery and layered nanostructures were obtained. The effect of pH on crystal structure and particle distribution was determined and pH for most suitable deposition process was reported. X-ray diffraction patterns revealed that at low acidity، pure anatase and at high acidity، mixture of rutile and anatase phases were precipitated. Transmission electron microscopy illustrated production of sharp-edge particles of 10 to 15 nm at pH=1. 85. Although synthesis was at room temperature، diffraction pattern rings showed considerable degree of crystallinity. Specific area measurement by BET indicated 214 m2g-1. Scanning electron micrographs of the deposited layers revealed replication of the fiber topographies on the final deposition. After elimination of the cellulose from the cotton and the sacks، remaining TiO2 nanoparticles had fibery and layered-like appearance.