Abstract: A malodorous component is eliminated using a catalytic composition comprising a phosphate of a tetravalent metal (titanium or other Group 4 elements of the Periodic Table of Elements), a hydroxide of a divalent metal (copper, zinc or other transition metal), and a photocatalyst. The photocatalyst includes sulfide-semiconductors, oxide-semiconductors and other photo-semiconductors, e.g. titanium oxide. The composition may further contain silicon dioxide and/or a silver component. The catalytic composition insures efficient elimination of not only acidic components and basic components but also neutral components over a long period, irrespective of with or without a light irradiation.

Abstract: A fiber is incorporated with a titanium oxide or other photocatalyst and an adsorbent comprising a phosphate of a tetravalent metal and a hydroxide of a divalent metal. The amounts of the photocatalyst and the adsorbent based on the total amount of the fiber are, about 0.1 to 25% by weight and about 0.1 to 25% by weight, respectively. The fiber may have a composite structure such as sheath-core structure in which the concentration of the photocatalyst in the sheath is higher than that of the core, and may be a fiber having a modified cross section.