Efficient anchoring of SrTiO3 on the cracked surface of carbonized bacterial cellulose for enhanced photocatalytic activities.

A series of thickness-controlled SrTiO₃ (commonly abbreviated ST) anchored on carbonized bacterial cellulose (CBC) was successfully prepared by a novel route of freeze-drying assisted crystallization/carbonization. For the first time, the cross-linked bacterial cellulose served as a carbon source as well as structure-directing scaffold for the construction of ST/CBC composites. Characterizations exhibited cracks and defects on the surface of CBC which provided ideal anchoring sites for the dispersion and crystallization of ST. Additionally, the relationship between morphology and photocatalytic activity of ST/CBC was carefully investigated by photocatalytic reduction of potassium dichromate (K₂Cr₂O₇) and degradation of tetracycline in water. This unique biomass-derived carbon fibers provide an ideal platform for further design of perovskite based materials with enhanced catalytic performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]