High-Induced Photo-emf and Photocatalytic Properties of Nanostructured TiO2-Based Powders and Films Obtained by the Sol–Gel Template Synthesis

Abstract

Highly ordered TiO2-based films and powders organized by template synthesis using the sol–gel method were obtained. New templates of different nature; i.e., polyethyloxazoline, polyethylene glycol monooleate, polyethylenimine, and traditional dodecylamine, were used as modifying additives. The effect of the activity of functional amino groups containing primary, secondary, and tertiary amines on the physico-chemical properties of films and powders was studied. The effect of such materials on the powder composition was examined by X-ray phase and structural analysis, low-temperature nitrogen adsorption–desorption, and film morphology using atomic force microscopy and small-angle X-ray scattering. The mechanism of the chemical reaction according to the IR spectral data is described. The change in modifier activity significantly affects the composition and properties of the end product and may lead to a high degree of self-organization of the formed surface not only at the nano level but also at the micro level. The comparative description of the photoactivity of the films and powders and modifier origin is given.