Easy synthesis of TiO2 hollow fibers using kapok as a biotemplate for photocatalytic degradation of the herbicide paraquat

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) hollow fibers (THFs) were synthesized via a template replication method using natural kapok fiber as a biotemplate. The kapok fibers coated with Ti precursor were calcined at temperatures ranging from 450 degrees C to 750 degrees C, resulting in the removal of the kapok template and formation of a hollow structure. Based on the characterization results, calcination temperature played a crucial role in altering the THF crystal structure, surface area, and functional group. Photocatalytic activity of THFs was evaluated by investigating the degradation of the herbicide paraquat under ultraviolet (UV) light. The correlation between physicochemical properties and photocatalytic activity of THFs calcined at different temperatures was investigated and discussed in detail. (C) 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.