Synthesis of Anatase-Silver Nanocomposite Fibers via Electrospinning

There has been growing interest in new ways to produce composite nanofibers. Continuous TiO2 (anatase phase) nanofibers with silver nanoparticles were prepared successfully via sol-gel and electrospinning. A sol containing poly(vinyl pyrrolidone), titanium tetraisopropoxide, and silver nitrate was injected through a conductive capillary where high voltage was applied. As a result of electrospinning, continuous composite nanofibers were collected and they were calcined in air at 500 degrees C in order to complete the crystallization of anatase phase. The anatase-silver nanocomposite fibers were characterized with X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy.