Synthesis, characterization, and application of Nd, Zr–TiO2/SiO2 nanocomposite thin films as visible light active photocatalyst

Abstract

A novel Nd, Zr–TiO2/SiO2 nanocomposite thin film was successfully prepared with various amounts of Nd3+ and Zr4+ as codopant ions for self-cleaning applications. In the first step, two types of Zr, Nd–TiO2/SiO2 thin films were prepared using ZrCl4 and ZrOCl2 compounds as a source of second doping agent ions. The result of the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicated that ZrOCl2 precursor produces a more monotonous thin film, but study of the photocatalytic activity of these thin films showed that ZrCl4-based thin film possess a more significant photocatalytic activity. Based on these results, ZrCl4 was chosen as a source of doping ion. Two kinds of Nd, Zr–TiO2/SiO2 nanocomposite thin films A and B were synthesized using various techniques. Type A thin film was coated on a glass substrate by heat treatment, but Type B was coated on polycarbonate sheets without any heat treatment process. The SEM images and XRD pattern showed that the optimum amount of doping ion in relation to Ti3+ is 0.1 %. In this circumstance, the most monotony of film was seen and the main formed phase was anatase. The sample structures were characterized by infrared spectroscopy. The nanocomposite films were found to be active for photocatalytic decomposition of methyl orange as an organic pollutant.