Abstract
In this study, TiO 2/SiO 2 nanocomposites were synthesized via a sol–gel route by adding tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) to a solution containing different molar ratios of Degussa P25 TiO 2 nanoparticles. FTIR, TGA, EDAX and XRD techniques were used to characterize the modified nanoparticles. Photocatalytic activity of the nanoparticles in an aqueous solution and into the acrylic based coating was evaluated using colour coordinate data measurements, SEM analysis, gloss measurements and FTIR spectroscopy, in the presence of Rhodamine B (Rh.B) dyestuff, as a pollutant model, before and after exposure to the UVA (340 nm) irradiation and compared to their unmodified counterparts. The results showed that silica grafting effectively reduced the photocatalytic activity of the TiO 2 nanoparticles as evidenced by absorption spectra and colour changes of Rh.B aqueous solutions during the UVA irradiation. The results revealed the effectiveness of sol–gel route for preparation of TiO 2/SiO 2 nanocomposites. The optimum result was obtained with 1% molar ratio of TiO 2:TEOS. Addition of TiO 2/SiO 2 nanocomposites into the acrylic based coating revealed reduction of photo-degradation of Rh.B compared to untreated nanoparticles. Finally, inclusion of TEOS treated TiO 2 nanoparticles into the aqueous organic coatings, provides photocatalytic property and as a result, it can possibly be considered for self-cleaning coatings.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
