Production of metal oxide nanoparticles dispersed on fibres

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for obtaining nanoparticles of metal oxides dispersed in fibers comprising preparing a stable gel from nanoparticle precursors, immersing the fibers in the stable gel and subjecting them to a hydrothermal treatment until the fibers are coated with the nanoparticles in a homogeneous way. The obtained fibers are used in the degradation of organic pollutants.

1 . A method for modifying fibers with nanoparticles, the method comprising:
 preparing a stable gel from nanoparticle precursors;   immersing one or more fibers in the stable gel; and   subjecting the one or more fibers to a hydrothermal treatment until the one or more fibers are coated with the nanoparticles.   
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the stable gel is prepared by a sol-gel technique. 
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the stable gel has a pH lower than 5 and a solids content between 0.01 and 5.0%. 
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the nanoparticles are metal oxides. 
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the nanoparticle precursors are metal alkoxides. 
     
     
         6 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the one or more fibers are selected from the group of natural organic, synthetic organic and inorganic fibers and combinations thereof, in nano or micro scale. 
     
     
         7 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the hydrothermal treatment is carried out at a temperature between 100° C. and 300° C., and for a period of time between 6 and 24 hours. 
     
     
         8 . The method according to  claim 1 , further comprising washing the fibers coated with the nanoparticles.