Formation of TiO2 nanotubes by thermal decomposition of poly(vinyl alcohol)-titanium alkoxide hybrid nanofibers

Anatase type TiO2 nanotubes were formed by calcination of poly(vinyl alcohol)-Ti alkoxide hybrid precursor nanofibers in air. The outer and inner diameters of the TiO2 nanotubes calcined at 500 C for 5 h were ca. 440 nm and ca. 270 nm, respectively. The specific surface area of the TiO2 nanotubes was 38.8 m2/g, and the existence of mesopores (average pore diameter, 14.8 nm) on the nanotube wall was indicated by the nitrogen adsorption isotherm (–196 C). The photocatalysis of the TiO2 nanotubes was superior to that of commercially available anatase type TiO2 nanoparticles