Abstract
A derivation of the sol-gel-dip-coating deposition technique is proposed, where the precursor solution exhibits two separated liquid phases, reaching an equilibrium state in a heterogeneous solution. Structural, optical and photocatalytic properties of TiO2 films grown from the proposed two phases method are shown and discussed, along with the properties of films deposited when the top phase present distinct lengths, which are observed through SEM images and optical transmittance spectra. The dominant crystalline phase is anatase for all the films prepared. Films are tested towards their efficiency for photocatalysis, using methylene blue as dye degradation agent. It has been found that films deposited through the two phase method are more efficient on the photocatalyitic degradation of methylene blue.
Highlights
Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a semiconductor oxide that has drawn attention due to its application in the creation of several sorts of devices
Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images reveal differences in structures formed in regions I and II, as seen in Figure 2, the inset from region I shows a sparse deposition with islands of material adhering to the substrate distant from each other, while in region II the rough surface is a consequence of two layers of deposited material and its interaction with the bottom phase (B)
Despite the efforts so that the top phase (A) did not present a high concentration of TiO2 particles, the diffusion at the interface and the turbulence created during the deposition process ensures that a number of TiO2 particles are released from the bottom (B) to the top phase (A), where they may remain suspended
Summary
Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a semiconductor oxide that has drawn attention due to its application in the creation of several sorts of devices. In this paper the bi-phasic system is created to become a new parameter to be studied and to see its effects on the deposited films, and the “main” phase is the heavier, bottom one, different from the referenced work, where the material to be deposited is the higher one, which floats on top of a heavier, mostly inert liquid Their goal was to validate their method as a way to reproduce films while being more efficient with solutions. The proposed method could eventually complement the process with advantages, such as: better control of thickness and homogeneity, isolation of the precursor solution from air for facilitated storage, Deposition of TiO2 thin Films by Dip-Coating Technique from a Two-Phase Solution Method and Application to Photocatalysis introduction of immiscible components, greater efficiency and possible new doping methods. The increase in photocatalytic efficiency when applying the method is tied to the increase in surface area, which, with a smaller volume of material deposited and thinner film is an interesting achievement
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