Cellulose‐nanowhisker‐templated synthesis of titanium dioxide/cellulose nanomaterials with promising photocatalytic abilities

By using native cellulose nanowhiskers as green templates, we prepared TiO2/cellulose nanomaterials via a sol–gel process from the hydrolysis of Ti(OC2H5)4. The structures and properties of the composite nanoparticles were characterized with X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, and photocatalytic degradation tests. The TiO2/cellulose nanoparticles with low loadings of TiO2 nanoparticles exhibited obvious quantum size effects and lower band gaps. The composite nanoparticles had promising photocatalytic activity for the photodegradation of a methyl orange solution under weak UV light irradiation. Furthermore, they exhibited good stability against photocorrosion, so it is possible that they could be used in the photodegradation of organic pollutants.