Preparation and characterization of photocatalytic TiO2/glymo nanocomposite films

Abstract

The reflux method was utilized for the synthesis of 5% Sn-doped TiO2 nanopowder. Surfaces of the TiO2 particles were modified with 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (glymo) and glass surfaces were coated with this solution by a spin-coating process. Molar ratios of TiO2 :glymo were 0.25, 0.5, 2.5, and 7.5 in the films. Nanocomposite films were cured at 130 ° C. Adhesions of the obtained films were classified as 5B and pencil hardness increased with the increase in the ratio of the TiO2 in the films. Film thickness decreased from 5 μm to 0.3 μm when TiO2 :glymo was increased from 0.25 to 7.5. The obtained films had sufficient mechanical integrity, and they were photocatalytically active and could degrade rhodamine B. The sample having a TiO2 :glymo ratio of 7.5 presented the highest photoactivity. Lowtemperature curing brings the advantage of utilization of the films on polymer substrates and also there is no need for a barrier layer between the coating and the substrate.