Preparation and characterization of photocatalytic TiO 2 /glymo nanocomposite films

Abstract

The reflux method was utilized for the synthesis of 5% Sn-doped TiO22_{2} nanopowder. Surfaces of the TiO22_{2} particles were modified with 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (glymo) and glass surfaces were coated with this solution by a spin-coating process. Molar ratios of TiO22_{2}:glymo were 0.25, 0.5, 2.5, and 7.5 in the films. Nanocomposite films were cured at 130 ∘∘^{\circ}C. Adhesions of the obtained films were classified as 5B and pencil hardness increased with the increase in the ratio of the TiO22_{2} in the films. Film thickness decreased from 5 μμ\mu m to 0.3 μμ\mu m when TiO22_{2}: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 TiO22_{2}:glymo ratio of 7.5 presented the highest photoactivity. Low-temperature 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.