In this study TiO2 nanotubular fibers were prepared and subsequently
loaded with CdS nanoparticles to obtain visible light activate nanofibers
with modified structure. Preparation of TiO2 fibers was based on
templating method and Liquid phase deposition technique (LPD) with cellulose
fibers as templates. Using LPD, thickness of the TiO2 layer could be
controlled precisely by adjusting the reaction conditions, therefore after
removal of the template, the resulting material has a fibrous structure,
mimicking the cellulose fibers shape. CdS nanoparticles were synthesized by
thermochemical growth method and attached to TiO2 fibers through
impregnation method. The pure composite nanofibers were characterized by
scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray
photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and UV-visible spectroscopic techniques. To
investigate the photoactivity of CdS/TiO2 fibers, using MB
decomposition test under visible light irradiation was studied and compared
with that of pure TiO2 nanofibers and CdS nanoparticles. A possible
mechanism of sensitization of TiO2 with CdS nanoparticles and visible
light MB decomposition was also discussed. Photocatalytic decomposition test
under visible light irradiation shows that these novel structures are
appropriate for visible photocatalysis applications.