Infrared laser radiation-produced TiO-doped Si/SiOx/SiO2 nanocomposite—Entry to TiO-containing materials

Abstract

Abstract Infrared laser-induced ablation of an equimolar titanium monoxide–silicon monoxide mixture allows deposition of a continuous TiO-doped Si/SiOx/SiO2 film which undergoes collapse into micron-sized cylindrical-shaped plates. The film and the scrolls were analyzed by Raman and FTIR spectroscopy and electron microscopy and confirmed to be amorphous and composed of TiO nano-objects in prevailing Si/SiOx/SiO2 phase. The film shows a broad red-shifted UV–vis absorption when compared to various TiO2 or TiO2-SiO2 composite materials. In aqueous solutions of Methylene Blue, it enhances the rate of visible light-induced decolorization of this dye. It also reduces Methylene Blue to leuco-Methylene Blue in the dark. These properties of the TiO-incorporated Si/SiOx/SiO2 nanocomposite may stimulate further interest in laser syntheses and applications of a broader class of TiO-containing materials.