Photocatalysis, microstructure, and surface characterization of TiO 2 ‐loaded wooden‐activated carbon fibers

In this study, TiO 2 ‐loaded wooden‐activated carbon fibers (TiO 2 /WACFs) were prepared by sol–gel method. TiO 2 /WACFs were detected by scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results showed that TiO 2 was deposited on almost each WCAF with a coating thickness. All the TiO 2 films on the surface of WACFs were composed of anatase with high photocatalytic property. The characteristic adsorption peaks of nano‐TiO 2 emerged at 1,402 and 471 cm −1 on the infrared spectrum of TiO 2 /WACFs. It was also found that Ti was in the binding state of Ti 4+ (TiO 2 ) in the TiO 2 /WACFs. As the calcination temperature increased, the content of elements Ti and TiO bond of lattice oxygen on the surface of TiO 2 /WACFs increased and then decreased, but the loaded nano‐TiO 2 did not affect the formation of graphite structure of WACFs. It is suggested that TiO 2 /WACFs obtained at 450°C have the best photocatalytic property. POLYM. COMPOS., 36:62–68, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers