Lignin-Derived Carbon Nanofibers Loaded with TiO2 Enables Efficient Photocatalysis

The high value-added application of lignin is of great significance for the effective utilization of biomass and environmental protection. In this work, TiO2-loaded lignin-derived carbon nanofibers (TiO2@LCNFs) are developed by the process of electrospinning, per-oxidation, and carbonization. The effects of TiO2 content, carbonization temperature, initial RhB concentration, and solution pH value on the photocatalytic efficiency are systematically studied. Up to 86% photocatalytic efficiency and excellent cycling stability of the TiO2@LCNFs to rhodamine B under optimized conditions are achieved. The superior catalytic property of the TiO2@LCNFs can be attributed to the synergistic effect of the uniform distribution of TiO2 on the fiber surface and the good electrical conductivity of LCNFs. It is expected that this work will provide some guidance for the preparation of efficient photocatalytic materials, especially those based on biomass-derived fiber materials.