Microwave irradiation was applied to produce nano-TiO2/cellulose composite fibers. 100 nm raspberry-like TiO2 composed of 10 nm primary particles were formed. Composites fabricated by in situ TiO2 growth outperformed due to large surface area. Composites with hierarchical surface structure lead to rapid adsorption of Pb2+. The adsorption was due to electrostatic interaction and the fibers were reusable.