Structural characterization and photocatalytic activity of hollow binary ZrO2/TiO2 oxide fibers

The formation of hollow binary ZrO2/TiO2 oxide fibers using mixed precursor solutions was achieved by activated carbon fibers templating technique combined with solvothermal process. The samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), N2 adsorption, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV–vis, and infrared (IR) spectroscopy. The binary oxide system shows the anatase-type TiO2 and tetragonal phase of ZrO2, and the introduction of ZrO2 notably inhibits the growth of TiO2 nanocrystallites. Although calcined at 575 °C, all hollow ZrO2/TiO2 fibers exhibit higher surface areas (>113 m2/g) than pure TiO2 hollow fibers. The Pyridine adsorption on ZrO2/TiO2 sample indicates the presence of stronger surface acid sites. Such properties bring about that the binary oxide system possesses higher efficiency and durable activity stability for photodegradation of gaseous ethylene and trichloromethane than P25 TiO2. In addition, the macroscopic felt form for the resulting materials is more beneficial for practical applications than traditional catalysts forms.