Influence of Oxidation Temperature on Photocatalytic Activity of Cr-TiO<sub>2</sub> Coatings by Mechanical Coating Technique

Abstract

The photocatalyst coatings on alumina (Al2O3) balls had been prepared by mechanical coating technique (MCT) and subsequent oxidation process with Ti powder and Cr powder, and the influence of oxidation temperature on the photocatalyst composite coatings (Cr-TiO2) were investigated. The contrast experiments of the oxidation temperature and the usage of Cr powder had been carried out. The crystal structure and microstructure of the coatings were investigated. Photocatalytic activity of the coatings was evaluated and discussed. The XRD results showed that the mixed-phase of anatase (A) and rutile (R), and mass fraction of rutile (XR) had been increased with adding Cr, especially under 973 K. The SEM images indicated that the needle-like oxide was formed at the temperature of 973 K. The photocatalytic activity is relatively higher at 973 K under both of ultraviolet (UV) and visible light (VL). At the same time, the influence on photocatalytic activity of the photocatalyst coatings under UV or VL by adding Cr would guide the direction for the improvement of photocatalytic activity.