Preparation and characterization of photocatalytic TiO$_{2}$/glymo nanocomposite films

Authors: ESİN AKARSU, HASAN ERDEM ÇAMURLU

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 solution by 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 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 TiO$_{2}$ in the films. Film thickness decreased from 5 $\mu $m to 0.3 $\mu $m when TiO$_{2}$:glymo was increased from 0.25 to 7.5. The obtained films had sufficient mechanical integrity, and they were photocatalytically active and could degrade rhodamine B. The sample having a TiO$_{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.

Keywords: Photocatalytic film, glymo, TiO$_{2}$, hybrid coating, photocatalysis

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