Hybrid nanoarchitectonics of TiO2/aramid nanofiber membranes with softness and durability for photocatalytic dye degradation

TiO2-based films are one of the most attractive photocatalysts owing to their highly cost-effective properties. Nevertheless, most TiO2-based photocatalytic films for dye degradation are in the form of robust films (without flexibility), TiO2 coatings on carbon matrix (with leakage risk), or surface-covered TiO2 hybrids (not favorite to contact with external molecules). Therefore, the development of durable and highly efficient TiO2 photocatalytic films for dye degradation is still needed. Here, we fabricated soft photocatalytic hybrid membranes (TANFs) from TiO2 nanotubes (TiNT) and aramid nanofiber (ANF) by a facile vacuum filtration process. The similar morphology and dimension of TiNT and ANF enable them intricately intertwine with each other in the membrane network. Under an appropriate mixing ratio, the TANF exhibited significantly improved optical and mechanical properties. When used for dye degradation, the membrane showed excellent photocatalytic performance and could keep stable activity and integrated state for repeated usage.