Multiphase TiO2 nanofibers were fabricated by electrospinning and subsequent calcination of as-spun nanofibers. The obtained TiO2 nanofibers were characterized by X-diffraction (XRD), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The photocatalytic activity was assessed using methylene blue (MB) degradation in solar light irradiation. With increasing calcination temperature the diameter of the nanofibers decreased. The experimental results of MB degradation demonstrated that the solar light driven photocatalytic activity of TiO2 nanofibers was enhanced up to 500 degrees C calcination temperature, and thereafter calcination decreased the photocatalytic activity owing to increase in the rutile phase. A mixed phase (76 : 24) comprised of anatase and rutile phase is more preferable for photocatalysis. The enhanced photocatalytic activity is owing to hindered charge recombination by means of electron transform from anatase phase to rutile phase at trapping states.

Keywords: Electrospinning; TiO2 nanofibers; Methylene blue; Photocatalytic activity