TiO2 photocatalysts deposited on fiber substrates by liquid phase deposition

Hybrid organic–inorganic fibers and carbon fibers were coated with TiO2 by liquid phase deposition (LPD). Continuous films were easily accessible on untreated carbon fibers after short mineralization times, whereas the density of nucleation sites on the hybrid substrates was increased by hydroxylation. The photocatalytic activity of TiO2 powder prepared by LPD was investigated and the material showed its best performance after heat treatment at 300–400 °C. Due to their better thermal stability at these temperatures, carbon fiber filaments were predominantly used as substrates for LPD TiO2. The photocatalytic activity of the coated fibers per illuminated surface area was found to be higher than that of LPD particles and even higher than that of commercial TiO2 powders normally used in suspension for photocatalytic wastewater treatment.