Photocatalytic Application of TiO2-Loaded Viscose-Based Activated Carbon Fibers Composite Catalyst: Degradation of Low Concentration Formaldehyde and Simultaneous Anti-Microbe

Abstract

TiO2-loaded viscose-based activated carbon fibers (VACF) composite catalysts were successfully prepared by the load of anatase TiO2 nanoparticles (particle diameter 5–12 nm) on VACFs. Furthermore, the simultaneous photocatalytic applications of low concentration formaldehyde degradation and bacteriostasis were studied for the first time. In the structure of composite catalysts, titanium atoms exist at Ti4+ ions, and the combination mode of VACF and TiO2 nanoparticles is Ti–O–C bond. The results show that photocatalytic effect of TiO2 for low concentration formaldehyde (1 mg m−3) is further improved by the binding with VACFs in the composite catalysts, the HCHO conversion reach approximately 80% under the condition of visible light. Simultaneously, the composite catalysts with the optimal load coefficient of 3.57% have a high catalytic activity for bactericidal action (bacteriostasis rate reached 96%–98%).