TiO2 Immobilized in Cellulose Matrix for Photocatalytic Degradation of Phenol under Weak UV Light Irradiation

TiO2/cellulose composite films have been prepared via a sol-gel method from the hydrolysis of a precursor TiO2 sol solution in the regenerated cellulose films prepared on the basis of cellulose dissolution at low temperature. The structure and properties of the composite films were characterized by using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis, FT-IR, UV-visible spectroscopy, and photocatalytic degradation tests. The micronanoporous structure and hydroxyl groups in the regenerated cellulose films at the wet state provided cavities and affinity for the creation and the immobilization of TiO2 nanoparticles in the cellulose matrix through electrostatic and hydrogen bonding interactions. The TiO2/cellulose composite films exhibited a good photocatalytic activity for photodegradation of phenol under weak UV light irradiation, leading to an important application in photodegradation of organic pollutant. This was a portable photocatalyst, which can be removed out easily from pollutant solution after used, leading to a "green" process.