Preparation and characterization of a novel activated carbon‐supported N‐doped visible light response photocatalyst (TiO2−xNy/AC)

A photocatalyst, TiO_2?xN_y/AC (activated carbon (AC) supported N‐doped TiO₂), highly active in both the Vis and UV range, was prepared by calcination of the TiO₂ precursor prepared by acid‐catalyzed hydrolysis in an ammonia atmosphere. The powders were characterized by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, N₂ adsorption, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and phenol degradation. The doped N in the TiO₂ crystal lattice creates an electron‐occupied intra‐band gap allowing electron‐hole pair generation under Vis irradiation (500–560 nm). The TiO_2?xN_y/AC exhibited high levels of activity and the same activity trends for phenol degradation under both Vis and UV irradiation: TiO_2?xN_y/AC calcined at 500 °C for 4 h exhibited the highest activity. The band‐gap level newly formed by doped N can act as a center for the photo‐generated holes and is beneficial for the UV activity enhancement. The performance of the prepared TiO_2?xN_y/AC photocatalyst revealed its practical potential in the field of solar photocatalytic degradation of aqueous contaminants. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry     

Mechanical enhancement of amine‐functionalized TiO2 reinforced polyimine composites

Polyimine vitrimers are known for their malleability, which endows these materials with properties such as self‐healing, recycling, and reshaping. To enhance the mechanical properties of the polyimine vitrimers, composites were fabricated by incorporating amine‐functionalized TiO₂ microspheres (amTiO₂MS) into polyimine matrix. The pure polyimine matrix and polyimine composites hybridized with TiO₂ microspheres (TiO₂MS) without surface modification were also obtained and examined as the controls in characterization. X‐ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy were employed to demonstrate the presence and distribution of amTiO₂MS and TiO₂MS in the polyimine matrices. The investigation of mechanical properties of the amTiO₂MS enhanced polyimine composites and control samples indicated that incorporation of amTiO₂MS and TiO₂MS exhibited different characteristic distribution, which strongly affected the performance of the composites. The optimal filling concentration of amTiO₂MS was found to be 3%, with which the microspheres were uniformly distributed in the polyimine matrix. The self‐healing behavior of the polyimine‐amTiO₂‐X was also studied. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135, 46446.     

Fabrication of functionally graded nano‐TiO2‐reinforced epoxy matrix composites

Functionally graded nano‐TiO₂ epoxy matrix composites were successfully fabricated using a centrifugal method. In the preparation of the composite, the aggregation of nano‐TiO₂ occurred during curing, which had a negative effect on the composite performance. To solve this problem, we introduced a silane coupling agent to modify the surface of the nano‐TiO₂, thereby improving the performance and mechanical properties simultaneously. The modified nano‐TiO₂ (s‐TiO₂) had better dispersion in the epoxy resin, making it possible to produce depth gradients of the mechanical properties of functionally graded materials (FGMs). The s‐TiO₂ was characterized with respect to functional groups, morphology, and chemical elements using transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy. The results show that a silane layer was successfully coated on the surface. Also, the gradients of the mechanical and permittivity properties of the FGM indicated that by modifying the surface of the nano‐filler, it is possible to fabricate nano‐filler‐reinforced epoxy matrix FGMs using a centrifugal method. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:557–563, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Preparation and Characterization of Bi3+‐TiO2 and its Photocatalytic Activity

Bi³⁺‐TiO₂ photocatalysts were prepared by doping bismuth ion into the TiO₂ structure in a sol‐gel process. The catalyst samples were then characterized by UV‐vis diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Rodamine‐B (RhB) was used in this study as a model chemical with the aim of organic pollutants control. The photocatalytic degradation of RhB demonstrated that an optimal loading of bismuth 0.7 at. % achieved the highest photodegradation rate, with the rate constant increasing by a factor of 3.89 over neat TiO₂ (P25) under UV illumination (λ ≥ 320 nm). The degradation of p‐nitrobenzonic acid (pNBA) was also examined to prevent/preclude/exclude/ the photosensitization pathway. GC‐MS results show that pNBA can be effectively degraded and minerized to small molecules, such as quinone, acetic acid and formic acid.     

Enhanced Solid‐Phase Photocatalytic Degradation Activity of a Poly(vinyl chloride)‐TiO2 Nanocomposite Film with Bismuth Oxyiodide

A new type of photodegradable poly(vinyl chloride)‐bismuth oxyiodide/TiO₂ (PVC‐BiOI/TiO₂) nanocomposite film was prepared by embedding a nano‐TiO₂ photocatalyst modified by BiOI into the commercial PVC plastic. The solid‐phase photocatalytic degradation behavior of the as‐prepared film was investigated in ambient air at room temperature under UV light irradiation, with the aid of UV‐Vis spectroscopy, weight loss monitoring, scanning electron microscopy, and FT‐IR spectroscopy. Compared to the PVC‐TiO₂ nanocomposite film, the PVC‐BiOI nanocomposite film and the pure PVC film, the PVC‐BiOI/TiO₂ nanocomposite film exhibited a higher photocatalytic degradation activity. The optimal mass ratio of BiOI to TiO₂ was found to be 0.75 %. The weight loss rate of the PVC‐BiOI/TiO₂ nanocomposite film reached 30.8 % after 336 h of irradiation, which is 1.5 times higher than that of the PVC‐TiO₂ nanocomposite film under identical conditions. The solid‐phase photocatalytic degradation mechanism of the nanocomposite films was briefly discussed.     

Preparation and properties of TiO2‐filled poly(acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene)/epoxy hybrid composites

Poly (acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene) (ABS) was used to modify diglycidyl ether of bisphenol‐A type of epoxy resin, and the modified epoxy resin was used as the matrix for making TiO₂ reinforced nanocomposites and were cured with diaminodiphenyl sulfone for superior mechanical and thermal properties. The hybrid nanocomposites were characterized by using thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA), dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA), universal testing machine (UTM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The bulk morphology was carefully analyzed by SEM and TEM and was supported by other techniques. DMA studies revealed that the DDS‐cured epoxy/ABS/TiO₂ hybrid composites systems have two T_gs corresponding to epoxy and ABS rich phases and have better load bearing capacity with the addition of TiO₂ particles. The addition of TiO₂ induces a significant increase in tensile properties, impact strength, and fracture toughness with respect to neat blend matrix. Tensile toughness reveals a twofold increase with the addition of 0.7 wt % TiO₂ filler in the blend matrix with respect to neat blend. SEM micrographs of fractured surfaces establish a synergetic effect of both ABS and TiO₂ components in the epoxy matrix. The phenomenon such us cavitation, crack path deflection, crack pinning, ductile tearing of the thermoplastic, and local plastic deformation of the matrix with some minor agglomerates of TiO₂ are observed. However, between these agglomerates, the particles are separated well and are distributed homogeneously within the polymer matrix. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013     

Employment of ultrasonic waves for the preparation of PVA/TiO2‐BSA nanocomposites: Mechanical,thermal, and optical properties

The goal of this project is to obtain poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/TiO₂‐bovine serum albumin (BSA) nanocomposite (NC) films in different weight percentages of modified TiO₂. For this purpose, to prevent the accumulation of nanoparticles (NPs) in the PVA matrix, the surface of the TiO₂ NPs was treated with the BSA molecules. To achieve this aim, ultrasonic waves were used as an environmentally friendly and green process that decrease the time of reactions, help better spreading of TiO₂ NPs and maintain dimensions of TiO₂ NPs in the nanoscale range. In the end, the features of the PVA/TiO₂‐BSA NC films were considered with a variety of techniques. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray, and X‐ray diffraction showed that the BSA was well placed on the surface of TiO₂ NPs. The thermal gravimetric analysis and UV‐visible results demonstrated that all the PVA/TiO₂‐BSA NC films have better thermal and optical properties than the pure PVA. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135, 46558.     

Preparation of TiO2‐Coated Mo Powders for High Photocatalytic Property

An approach is introduced for fabricating the TiO₂‐coated molybdenum (Mo) powders via hydrothermal method, in which the Mo nanopowders were prepared by the electric explosion of wire method. The microstructure and photocatalytic properties of the samples were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy (Raman), low temperature sorption of nitrogen (BET), and diffuse reflectance accessory of UV–Vis spectrophotometer. It was revealed that compared with pure TiO₂, the TiO₂‐coated Mo powders exhibited an improved photocatalytic activity, and the highest photocatalytic activity was achieved at the 1 wt% optimal mass percentage of the Mo nanopowders. The preparation of TiO₂‐coated Mo powders involved a relatively simple, economical, scalable, and also environment‐friendly approach.     

Synthesis and characterization of temperature‐sensitive block copolymers from poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) and 4‐methyl‐ε‐caprolactone or 4‐phenyl‐ε‐caprolactone

This study synthesizes thermally sensitive block copolymers poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide)‐b‐poly(4‐methyl‐ε‐caprolactone) (PNIPA‐b‐PMCL) and poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide)‐b‐poly(4‐phenyl‐ε‐caprolactone) (PNIPA‐b‐PBCL) by ring‐opening polymerization of 4‐methyl‐ε‐caprolactone (MCL) or 4‐phenyl‐ε‐caprolactone (BCL) initiated from hydroxy‐terminated poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPA) as the macroinitiator in the presence of SnOct₂ as the catalyst. This research prepares a PNIPA bearing a single terminal hydroxyl group by telomerization using 2‐hydroxyethanethiol (ME) as a chain‐transfer agent. These copolymers are characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), ¹H‐NMR, FTIR, and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The thermal properties (T_g) of diblock copolymers depend on polymer compositions. Incorporating larger amount of MCL or BCL into the macromolecular backbone decreases T_g. Their solutions show transparent below a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) and opaque above the LCST. LCST values for the PNIPA‐b‐PMCL aqueous solution were observed to shift to lower temperature than that for PNIPA homopolymers. This work investigates their micellar characteristics in the aqueous phase by fluorescence spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The block copolymers formed micelles in the aqueous phase with critical micelle concentrations (CMCs) in the range of 0.29–2.74 mg L^?1, depending on polymer compositions, which dramatically affect micelle shape. Drug entrapment efficiency and drug loading content of micelles depend on block polymer compositions. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010     

Preparation of aerochitin‐TiO2 composite for efficient photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue

An aerochitin–titania (TiO₂) composite was successfully synthesized and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and N₂ adsorption isotherms. The photocatalytic activity of the composite was investigated on the degradation of the model organic pollutant, methylene blue (MB) dye, under UV irradiation. The aerochitin–TiO₂ composite showed excellent adsorptive and photocatalytic activity with a degradation degree of 98% for MB. The first‐order rate constants for the photodegradation MB by TiO₂ nanoparticles and aerochitin–TiO₂ composite were found to be (3.49 ± 0.04) × 10^?3 and (1.82 ± 0.02) × 10^?2 min^?1. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135, 45908.     

Synthesis and association properties in water solution of random copolymers of 2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl‐1‐propane sulfonic acid and isodecyl methacrylate—potential application as surfactants in micellar‐enhanced ultrafiltration processes

Hydrophobically modified water‐soluble polymers have been prepared by copolymerization of 2‐acrylamido‐2‐methylpropane sulfonic acid (AMPS) and isodecyl methacrylate (iDMA) in N,N‐dimethylformamide under nitrogen atmosphere, varying the composition feed. Fluorescence spectroscopy was used to further confirm the copolymers self‐aggregate in water. Critical concentration of the self‐aggregate formation (CAC) decreased by increasing the molar fraction of iDMA in the AMPS_co copolymers and varied between 1.20 and 0.04 g/L depending on the degree of hydrophobic modification. Hence, copolymer composition and charge density allowed tuning the pseudomicellar characteristics of these new amphiphilic copolymers. The addition of a salt or a low‐molecular‐weight surfactant was studied. Binding of CTAB to the AMPS_co copolymers leads to a high decrease of CAC, i.e., 0.006 g/L. Effect of the composition in the viscosimetric behavior of the hydrophobically modified copolymers AMPS_co was investigated. The removal of single metal ions, Cu²⁺, and m‐cresol from aqueous solutions by ultrafiltration with the help of the copolymers was investigated. Equilibrium dialysis experiments demonstrate that the formation of hydrophobic microdomains can be used to control the sequestration of foulants, and thus these novel copolymers have potential application as polymeric surfactants in micellar‐enhanced ultrafiltration processes for water purification. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007     

New epoxy/silica‐titania hybrid materials prepared by the sol–gel process

A new type of inorganic‐polymer hybrid materials of epoxy/silica‐titania had been prepared by incorporating grafted epoxy, which had been synthesized by epoxy and tetraethoxysilane (TEOS), with highly reactive TEOS and tetrabutyltitanate (TBT) by using the in situ sol–gel process. The grafted epoxy was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) and ¹H‐NMR spectroscopic technique. Results of FT‐IR spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM) demonstrated that epoxy chains have been covalently bonded to the surface of the SiO₂‐TiO₂ particles. The particles size of SiO₂‐TiO₂ are about 20–50 nm, as characterized by AFM. The experimental results showed that the glass‐transition temperatures and the modulus of the modified systems were higher than that of the unmodified system, and the impact strength was enhanced by two to three times compared with that of the neat epoxy. The morphological structure of impact fracture surface and the surface of the hybrid materials were observed by scanning electron microscopy and AFM, respectively. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 101: 1075–1081, 2006     

Photocatalysis,microstructure, and surface characterization of TiO2‐loaded wooden‐activated carbon fibers

In this study, TiO₂‐loaded wooden‐activated carbon fibers (TiO₂/WACFs) were prepared by sol–gel method. TiO₂/WACFs were detected by scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results showed that TiO₂ was deposited on almost each WCAF with a coating thickness. All the TiO₂ films on the surface of WACFs were composed of anatase with high photocatalytic property. The characteristic adsorption peaks of nano‐TiO₂ emerged at 1,402 and 471 cm⁻¹ on the infrared spectrum of TiO₂/WACFs. It was also found that Ti was in the binding state of Ti⁴⁺ (TiO₂) in the TiO₂/WACFs. As the calcination temperature increased, the content of elements Ti and Ti O bond of lattice oxygen on the surface of TiO₂/WACFs increased and then decreased, but the loaded nano‐TiO₂ did not affect the formation of graphite structure of WACFs. It is suggested that TiO₂/WACFs obtained at 450°C have the best photocatalytic property. POLYM. COMPOS., 36:62–68, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers     

The interfacial effect of TiO2–Ag core–shell micro‐/nanowires on poly(arylene ether nitrile)

Novel TiO₂–Ag core–shell micro‐/nanowires (TiO₂ shell coating on Ag core) have been successfully prepared via a solvent–thermal method. Energy dispersive spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction analyses revealed that the micro‐/nanowires were composed of Ag, Ti and O elements, and Ag was face‐centered cubic whereas TiO₂ was mainly amorphous. Interestingly, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy results showed that most of the TiO₂ bristles were perpendicular to and uniformly studded on the surface of the Ag cores. Subsequently, TiO₂–Ag/poly(arylene ether nitrile) (PEN) composite films were prepared via a solution‐casting method in order to investigate the effect of TiO₂–Ag on the PEN matrix. SEM images showed that there was good interfacial adhesion between fillers and PEN matrix owing to the special bristle‐like structure. Thermal analysis results showed that the TiO₂–Ag/PEN composite films possessed excellent thermal properties endowed by the PEN matrix. The dielectric constant of the composite films increased to 9.3 at 100 Hz when the TiO₂–Ag loading reached 40 wt%. Rheology measurements revealed that the network formed by TiO₂–Ag was sensitive to shear stress and nearly time independent. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry     

Synergetic effect of graphene sheet and three‐dimensional crumpled graphene on the performance of dye‐sensitized solar cells

Herein, an improved structure of the dye‐sensitized solar cell (DSSC) is demonstrated which is composed of surface modified fluorine‐doped tin oxide (FTO) glass with graphene (GR) sheets and TiO₂ films incorporated with three‐dimensional crumped graphene (3‐D CGR)/GR sheets. The morphologies of the as‐prepared GR sheets on FTO glasses and 3‐D CGR/GR sheets/TiO₂ films were observed by field‐emission scanning electron microscopy. Light harvesting and charge recombination kinetics were investigated with a solar simulator and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analysis. In addition to the reduced charge resistance by the GR modified FTO, the enhanced dye loading capability of the 3‐D CGR, and the rapid charge transport by the 2‐D GR sheets, the power conversion efficiency was 7.2%, which was an increase of 56% compared to a “conventional” structured DSSC. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 62: 574–579, 2016     

Photoactive behavior of polyacrylonitrile fibers based on silver and zirconium co‐doped titania nanocomposites: Synthesis,characterization, and comparative study of solid‐phase photocatalytic self‐cleaning

Silver and zirconium co‐doped and mono‐doped titania nanocomposites were synthesized and deposited onto polyacrylonitrile fibers via sol–gel dip‐coating method. The resulted coated‐fibers were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and BET surface area measurement. Photocatalytic activity of the TiO₂‐coated and TiO₂‐doped coated fibers were determined by photomineralization of methylene blue and Eosin Y under UV–vis light. The progress of photodegradation of dyes was monitored by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The XRD results of samples indicate that the TiO₂, Ag‐TiO₂, Zr‐TiO₂, and Ag‐Zr‐TiO₂ consist of anatase phase. All samples demonstrated photo‐assisted self‐cleaning properties when exposed to UV–vis irradiation. Evaluated by decomposing dyes, photocatalytic activity of Ag–Zr co‐doped TiO₂ coated fiber was obviously higher than that of pure TiO₂ and mono‐doped TiO₂. Our results showed that the synergistic action between the silver and zirconium species in the Ag‐Zr TiO₂ nanocomposite is due to both the structural and electronic properties of the photoactive anatase phase. These results clearly indicate that modification of semiconductor photocatalyst by co‐doping process is an effective method for increasing the photocatalytic activity. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013     

Preparation and characterization of magnetic star‐shaped amphiphilic copolymer nanoparticles of S‐Fe3O4‐PLA‐b‐MPEG

Magnetic star‐shaped amphiphilic copolymers (S‐Fe₃O₄‐PLA‐b‐MPEG) consisting of Fe₃O₄ as the core, poly(L ,D ‐lactide) (PLA) as the inner layer, and monomethyl polyethylene glycol (MPEG) as the out shell were synthesized. The syntheses included ring‐opening polymerization of L ,D ‐lactide initiated by hydroxyl modified Fe₃O₄ (Fe₃O₄‐(OH) _n), followed by the esterification of the PLA with MPEG. The structure of the star block copolymers were characterized by Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, nanoparticle size analyzer, and vibrating sample magnetometer. The nanoparticles in aqueous solution were made from the amphiphilic star copolymer. The average size of the nanoparticles was adjustable and increased with the increase of the PLA segments in the copolymer. The cytotoxicity grade of the nanoparticles was zero determined by the analysis of cytotoxicity. The nanoparticles could potentially be used as the drug vehicles for magnetic‐response controlled release. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Preparation and characterization of cerium‐doped titanium dioxide/ultrahigh‐molecular‐weight polyethylene porous composites with excellent photocatalytic activity

Porous ultrahigh‐molecular‐weight polyethylene (UHMWPE)‐based composites filled with surface‐modified Ce‐doped TiO₂ nanoparticles (Ce–TiO₂/UHMWPE) were prepared by template dissolution. The composites were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet (UV)–visible spectroscopy, diffuse reflectance spectra, and scanning electron microscopy); the photocatalytic activity was also evaluated by the decomposition of methyl orange under UV exposure. The results demonstrate that the severe aggregation of Ce–TiO₂ nanoparticles could be reduced by surface modification via a silane coupling agent (KH570). The Ce–TiO₂/UHMWPE porous composites exhibited a uniform pore size. Doping with Ce⁴⁺ effectively extended the spectral response from the UV to the visible region and enhanced the surface hydroxyl groups of the TiO₂ attached to the matrix. With a degradation rate of 85.3%, the 1.5 vol % Ce–TiO₂/UHMWPE sample showed the best photocatalytic activity. The excellent permeability of the porous composites is encouraging for their possible use in wastewater treatment. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013     

Fly ash supported photocatalytic nanocomposite poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene)/TiO2 for azo dye removal under simulated solar irradiation

The main objective of this study was to develop a supported photocatalyst for wastewater treatment with extended efficiency under solar light. For that purpose titanium dioxide (TiO₂) was immobilized by sol–gel synthesis on the surface of the waste fly ash (FA). On such prepared composite material, conductive polymer poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) was grafted by in situ chemical oxidative polymerization with different oxidants, ammonium persulfate (APS), and iron(III) chloride, FeCl₃. Characterization was performed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and gas sorption analysis. Photocatalytic activity of composite photocatalyst was evaluated by testing removal efficiency of C.I. Reactive Red 45 (RR45) azo dye in three consecutive photocatalytic cycles under different pH. Discoloration of RR45 was measured using UV/Vis spectroscopy. It was determined that oxidant type plays major role in structure of composite as sample synthesized with APS had higher fraction of polymer and largest pore volume. The same composite had much better photocatalytic efficiency than sample synthesized with FeCl₃ oxidant. It was also determined that there is a very strong adsorption of dye molecules on the surface of photocatalyst that quickly causes saturation of photocatalyst and efficiency drop after first cycle. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135, 46316.     

Morphology enhancement of TiO2/PVP composite nanofibers based on solution viscosity and processing parameters of electrospinning method

In this work, different sol solutions with various titanium tetraisopropoxide (TIP)/glacial acetic acid ratios in 2‐propanol with 5 wt % poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) (M_w = 360,000 g/mol) were prepared and electrospun. Composition of the prepared sols and as‐spun TiO₂/PVP nanofibers were determined by Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectroscopy methods. Morphology of the electrospun TiO₂/PVP nanofibers was studied by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. Rheometry measurements of the sol solutions showed decrease of viscosity upon the addition of TIP to the polymer solutions with constant polymer and acid concentrations. The sol solution having the lowest viscosity (at shear rate 10 s^?1) but the highest TIP/glacial acetic acid ratio showed beaded nanofibers morphology when electrospun under 10 and 12 kV applied voltage while injection rate, needle tip to collector distance, and needle gauge were kept constant. However, smooth electrospun TiO₂/PVP composite nanofibers with the average nanofibers diameters (148 ± 79 nm) were achieved under the same condition when applied voltage increased to 15 kV. TEM micrographs of the electrospun TiO₂/PVP nanofiber showed that the TiO₂ particles with continuous structure are formed at the middle of the nanofiber and distributed along its axis. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135, 46337.