Preparation and characterization of photocatalytic $TiO_2$ /glymo nanocomposite films

Abstract

The reflux method was utilized for the synthesis of 5% Sn-doped $TiO_2$ nanopowder. Surfaces of the $TiO_2$particles were modified with 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (glymo) and glass surfaces were coated with this solutionby a spin-coating process. Molar ratios of $TiO_2$ :glymo were 0.25, 0.5, 2.5, and 7.5 in the films. Nanocomposite films werecured at 130 ◦ C. Adhesions of the obtained films were classified as 5B and pencil hardness increased with the increasein the ratio of the $TiO_2$ in the films. Film thickness decreased from 5 µm to 0.3 µm when $TiO_2$ :glymo was increasedfrom 0.25 to 7.5. The obtained films had sufficient mechanical integrity, and they were photocatalytically active andcould degrade rhodamine B. The sample having a $TiO_2$ :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 fora barrier layer between the coating and the substrate.