Plasmonic Platinum-Titania Photocatalyst Nanocomposite for Solar Application and Protective Titania Modified Nanocomposite Resin Coatings Against Steel Corrosion

Abstract

In the study, two main applications of titania nanocomposites are presented; solar application and corrosion protection. A chemical protocol for preparing a unique platinum-titania photocatalyst via solvothermal chemical reaction. This process utilized chloroplatinic acid hexahydrate and titanium butoxide as precursors in the presence of dimethyl sulfoxide. Synthesis was followed by morphological and crystalline structural characterizations as well as nanoparticle size distribution. Optical investigations revealed optical responses after UV-induced excitation. This photocatalyst also revealed photodegradation of diuron (a model algicide) and improved performance for photodecomposition after an hour. This composite also exhibited a defined self-cleaning ability when incorporated within fabrics.For long-term performance in outdoor applications, compatible inorganic fillers with reliable corrosion inhibiting abilities are incorporated within acrylic coatings for metallic structures susceptible to atmospheric degradation. However, challenges still abound on the selection criteria for appropriate fillers suitable for most coatings, from both inorganic and organic pools. In this work, titania nanoparticles (TiO2NPs) were prepared from titanium ethoxide via sol-gel technique. Titania-modified acrylic resins were subsequently synthesized by incorporating TiO2NPs within different grams of an acrylic base resin. In-depth characterization has been conducted for both prepared TiO2NPs and the synthesized titania modified acrylic coatings. The inorganic/organic hybrid resin coating was applied on mild steel to prevent its corrosion in 5 wt% NaCl solution. The presence of TiO2NPs within these acrylic coatings further blocked inherent pathway to which corrosive ions and molecule could have permeated the coating; hence, delaying steel corrosion. The optimum amount of TiO2NP fillers required to prepare an anticorrosion acrylic resin coating with efficient barrier properties has been identified.These particles further strengthened the gross mechanical properties of the coatings in terms of bulk structural reinforcement while also enhancing their barrier performances. This work highlights the correlation between coating content and the failure mechanisms or loss of corrosion resistance of degrading acrylic coatings in saline medium. These modified acrylic resin coatings may have a future as solar and outdoor protective coatings. Keywords: Platinum-titania photocatalyst; Titania nanoparticles; Acrylic resin coatings; Protective coatings; Corrosion; Solar.