Synthesis of carbon- and nitrogen-doped TiO2/carbon composite fibers by a surface-hydrolyzed PAN fiber and their photocatalytic property

PAN–COOH fibers were prepared with PAN fibers and used as templates, carbon source and nitrogen source for the first time to prepare carbon- and nitrogen-doped TiO2/carbon (C, N–TiO2) composite fibers. The C, N–TiO2 composite fibers were characterized by TEM, SEM, XPS, XRD, IR, Raman and UV–Vis spectrum. The composite fibers exhibited strong photocatalytic activity in photodegradation of Rh B solution under UV–Vis light. Doping C and N into TiO2 materials could reduce the band gap width of TiO2 and expand the light absorption range. The carbon fiber inside the composite fiber promoted the transfer of photoelectrons and inhibited the combination of photogenerated electrons and holes. The large specific surface area of C, N–TiO2 composite fibers was also conducive to the photocatalytic activity. The macroscale C, N–TiO2 composite fibers were easy for recycling. Therefore, the C, N–TiO2 composite fibers had the potential for dealing with organic pollutants in water.