TiO2-CoFe2O4 and TiO2-CuFe2O4 Composite Films: A New Approach to Synthesis, Characterization, and Optical and Photocatalytic Properties

Abstract

Here, we report a new simple and fast method of cobalt and copper ferrites film fabrication on the Ti/TiO2 surface. The approach is based on the deposition of gelatin gel containing copper and cobalt nitrates on the surface of porous oxide-silicon coatings on titanium obtained by plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) followed by two-stage annealing at 300 °C and 800 °C to yield ferrite films with good adhesion to PEO layer. The presence of Co/Cu ferrite phases was confirmed by EDX analysis, XRD, and Mössbauer spectroscopy. TiO2-CoFe2O4 and TiO2-CuFe2O4 composite films have excellent performance in the photocatalytic degradation of indigo carmine as a model dye at pH 3 under UV and visible irradiation. The suggested approach to obtain ferrite/TiO2 composite films is promising for the development of magnetic materials, sensors, catalysts, and photocatalysts for various applications.