Photocatalytic Activity and Characterization of the Sol-Gel Derived Pb-Doped TiO2 Thin Films

Photocatalytically active Pb-doped TiO₂ thin films were prepared on a soda-lime glass substrate by sol-gel dip-coating technique using TiO₂ sols containing lead(II) nitrate. The thin films were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), UV-VIS spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD). A shift of the UV-VIS absorption towards longer wavelengths was observed, which indicated a decrease in the band-gap of TiO₂ upon Pb doping. XRD results showed both pure and Pb-doped TiO₂ thin films were polycrystalline, anatase type, and oriented predominantly to the (101) plane. A slight shift in the d-spacing for the Pb-doped film indicated the incorporation of Pb into the TiO₂ lattice to form Pb _x Ti_1–x O₂ solid solution. AFM results showed Pb-doped TiO₂ thin films were composed of larger TiO₂ particles and had rougher surface, compared with un-doped TiO₂ thin films. XPS results showed that except for the enrichment of Pb near the surface, Pb exists in the forms of Pb _x Ti_1–x O₂ and PbO. Dimethyl-2,2-dichlorovinyl phosphate (DDVP) was efficiently degraded in the presence of the Pb-doped TiO₂ thin films by exposing the insecticide solution to sunlight. The mechanism of photocatalytic activity enhancement of the Pb-doped TiO₂ thin films was discussed.     

EXAFS and XANES Studies of Silica-Titania Sol-Gel Films

A series of SiO₂-TiO₂ sol-gel films with and without heat treatment were analyzed by EXAFS and XANES spectroscopies. Both techniques indicate that essentially all Ti⁴⁺ ions remain four-fold coordinated, with a Ti–O bond distance between 1.82–1.85 Å. In the glassy films produced by heat treatment at 900° C, a gradual phase separation may occur at the nanoscale, as the TiO₂ concentration of the films increases.     

Sol-Gel Processing of PbZrO3 Thin Films

PbZrO₃ (PZ) thin films have been prepared by 2-methoxyethanol route from lead oxide or lead acetate and zirconium n-butoxide. The use of lead oxide as lead source and the seeding layer of TiO₂ on Pt/TiO₂/SiO₂/Si substrate facilitate the formation of the perovskite phase.     

Sol-Gel Synthesis of Metal Nanoclusters-Silica Composite Films

In a program on the development of metal nanoclusters in sol-gel derived thin films, attempts were made to synthesize pure and mixed metal clusters, control the cluster size and increase the volume fract f the clusters. Thus, Ag, Cu and Ag-Cu nanoclusters were prepared in silica films using dip- and spin-coating techniques. The annealing of Ag/SiO₂ films in different atmospheres (air, argon and 5% H₂-95% N₂ gas) caused modifications of Ag nanoclusters resulting in changes in their surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak positions. The Cu and Ag-Cu codoped films were annealed in reducing atmosphere (5% H₂-95% N₂ gas). In order to prepare Cu nanoclusters of different sizes, the concentrations of Cu in Cu/SiO₂ composite films were varied from 8 to 30 mol% and annealed at 800°C for different times for growth. The size of the Cu nanoclusters was measured from the half band width of Cu SPR peak (appearing within 570–557 nm range) and X-ray diffraction. In this way Cu-nanoclusters of size ranges from about 3.5 to 10 nm (average diameters) were prepared . The Ag-Cu nanocluster-containing silica films show the existence of both Ag and Cu SPR peaks with some blue shifting in comparison with to their pure analogues depending on the Ag:Cu ratio.     

The Effect of SiO2 Addition on the Grain Size and Photocatalytic Activity of TiO2 Thin Films

The uniform transparent TiO₂/SiO₂ nanometer composite thin films were prepared via sol-gel method on the soda lime glass substrates, and were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), FTIR spectroscopy, UV-VIS spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and BET surface areas. It was found that the addition of SiO₂ to TiO₂ thin films could suppress the grain growth of TiO₂ crystal and increase the hydroxyl content of the surface of TiO₂ films. The photocatalytic activity of the as-prepared TiO₂/SiO₂ composite thin films increases for SiO₂ content of less than 5 mol%.     

Properties and Photoelectrocatalytic Behaviour of Sol-Gel Derived TiO2 Thin Films

Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) thin films have been prepared on indium doped tin oxide (ITO) glass by sol-gel dip-coating method. Properties of the films were determined as a function of heat-treatment by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and photoelectrochemical tests. The films heat-treated at higher temperatures show better crystallinity and photoresponse. The microscopic structure on the film after heat-treatment is attributed to the incorporation of organic polymer into the precursor solution. The performance of the electrodes treated at different temperature on photoelectrocatalytic degradation of methyl orange was investigated. The effect of applied potential and the ability of the electrode to be repeatedly used in photoelectrocatalytic degradation were also evaluated.     

Two-Dimensional Sol-Gel Synthesis of Ultrathin Zirconia and Hetero-Layered Titania/Zirconia Films

Synthesis of ZrO₂ and hetero-layered TiO₂/ZrO₂ ultrathin films was investigated by two-dimensional sol-gel process assisted by n-octadecylacetoacetate (C₁₈AA). When a hexane solution of tetrabutoxyzirconium (TBZ) and C₁₈AA was spread on the water surface, Zr-based gel films stabilized with C₁₈AA were formed at the air/water interface. After deposition on substrates, the gel films were successfully transformed into ZrO₂ ultrathin films by heating at 773 K for 0.5 h, the thickness of which was controllable on the order of sub-nanometer level by the number of gel-layer deposition and the molar ratio of [TBZ]/[C₁₈AA]. Well-organized hetero-multilayers composed of ultrathin TiO₂ and ZrO₂ layers could be fabricated by the alternate deposition of C₁₈AA-stabilized Ti- and Zr-gel films.     

Preparation and Characteristics of Porous Silica Films by a Modified Base-Catalyzed Sol-Gel Process Containing PVA: II. Film Preparation

Porous SiO₂ films were successfully deposited on silicon substrates by a modified base-catalyzed Sol-Gel process (MBCP) containing polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The process conditions, such as the gelation time, the synthesis temperature, the stabilizing agent of the precursor solution and the spin coating speed, the heat-treatment, the annealing temperature of the film on the microstructure and porosity of porous SiO₂ films were systematically investigated by SEM, XRD and ellipsometry techniques. This study provides a novel preparation technique for the porous SiO₂ film. Using this process, the resultant film can reach a thickness of 3.6 m for one layer, a porosity of 25–50%, a low thermal conductivity of 0.11 W/m·K. This film will be used as a low dielectric layer, an thermal-insulating layer and a low refractive index layer.     

Photocatalytic Activity and Photo-Induced Wettability Conversion of TiO2 Thin Film Prepared by Sol-Gel Process on a Soda-Lime Glass

We have developed the transparent photoactive TiO₂ thin film coated on soda lime glass (SLG) by sol-gel process. Titanium dioxide thin films coated on SLG exhibit lower photocatalytic activity due to the thermal diffusion of Na ion from the SLG substrate. Thin SiO₂ film precoating is very effective to prevent the thermal diffusion of Na ion. We have evaluated the photocatalytic decomposition of gaseous acetaldehyde and the photo-induced surface wettability of TiO₂ films with and without SiO₂ precoating layer. As expected, the TiO₂ film on SiO₂/SLG is more photoactive to decompose acetaldehyde than that on SLG. However, as for wettability conversion, there was little difference in the conversion rate between TiO₂ film without SiO₂, and TiO₂ film with SiO₂. Different dependence of Na ion diffusion on two kinds of photo-induced reaction on TiO₂ is discussed based on the difference of the photo-induced reaction mechanism.     

纳米二氧化钛粉末的溶胶-凝胶法合成及晶相转化

Nanosized TiO₂ powder with anatase and rutile structures was synthesized by a sol-gel method using TiCl₄ ethanol solution as a precursor.The grain size of TiO₂ powder was about 63nm after the precursor was calcined at 600℃ for 2 hours .The experimental techniques of XRD,TEM and Particle Distribution were used to characterize the synthesized specimens. Various special effects were investigated for their contribution to crystal structure and the size of TiO₂ powder .The formation of anatase as well as the rutile phase of TiO₂ was indicted from the XRD when the reaction temperature was above 30℃ and when the sol was irradiated by infrared rays .However, an anatase TiO₂ powder formed after the heat treatment of the dried gel in a temperature range from 300℃ to 500℃.Under the vacuum drying and with the calcined time below 3hours ,the anatase phase was gained .As well as with the increase of gelatinizing time, the anatase TiO₂ powder was obtained.     

Sol-Gel Derived TiO2-SiO2 Fibres

TiO₂−SiO₂ fibres with 0, 5, 10 and 20 volume % SiO₂ have been prepared by drawing from a gel followed by sintering at different temperatures. Nearly one meter long fibres can be drawn easily in conditions of about 50% relative humidity. Addition of SiO₂ inhibits the crystallisation of TiO₂ and also the anatase → rutile transformation and improves the strength of the fibres. While the pure TiO₂ fibres are brittle, those with 5, 10 and 20 volume % SiO₂ are flexible and strong. Tensile strength values as high as 3 GPa have been achieved in the 10 volume % SiO₂−TiO₂ fibres. Fibres heated above 900°C are brittle. The shape of the cross section of the fibres is found to depend on their diameters.     

Formation of Anatase Nanocrystals in Sol-Gel Derived TiO2-SiO2 Thin Films with Hot Water Treatment

We have successfully prepared transparent and porous anatase nanocrystals-dispersed films by treating the sol-gel derived TiO₂-SiO₂ films containing poly(ethylene glycol), PEG, with hot water. This process was done at temperatures lower than 100°C under atmospheric pressure, and thus anatase nanocrystals-dispersed films can be formed on various kinds of substrates including organic polymers with poor heat resistance. The changes in structure and composition of the TiO₂-SiO₂ gel films with hot water treatment were related to the formation process of anatase nanocrystals in the TiO₂-SiO₂ gel films with hot water treatment. The formation of anatase nanocrystals was found to proceed to hydrolysis of Si–O–Ti bonds and dissolution of SiO₂ component. In addition, porous film structure formed by leaching of PEG with hot water treatment led to homogenous dispersion of anatase nonocrystals in the films.     

SiO2-Iron Oxide Composites Obtained by Sol-Gel Method

Composite SiO₂-iron oxide materials were prepared by three experimental procedures. In the first case (1), the iron oxides were precipitated during the sol-gel process. In the second case (2), the SiO₂ matrix was initially obtained, and the iron oxides were formed by thermal treatment after impregnation of a soluble Fe²⁺ salt in the previously processed matrix. In the third method (3), ferrite powders, prepared by wet chemical method, were embedded into a SiO₂ based sol-gel matrix. Two type of precursors (tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) or methyltriethoxysilane (MTEOS) were used as SiO₂ sources. Various properties versus both type of precursor and on the method of preparation were noticed. Materials with high porosity and nano-sized iron oxide content could be prepared using the mentioned above methods.     

Sol-Gel Preparation and Characterization of Ag-TiO2 Nanocomposite Thin Films

Ag-TiO₂ thin films were prepared with a sol-gel route, using titanium isopropoxide and silver nitrate as precursors, at 0.03 and 0.06 Ag/Ti nominal atomic ratios. After drying at 80°C, the films were fired at 300°C and 500°C for 30 min. The films were analysed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) with glancing angle, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), with depth profiling of the concentration. XPS analysis showed the presence of C and N as impurities in the nanocomposite films. Their concentration decreased with increasing the firing temperature. Chemical state analysis showed that Ag was present in metallic state, except for the very outer layer where it was present as Ag⁺. For the films prepared with a Ag/Ti concentration of 0.06, depth profiling measurements of the film fired at 300°C showed a strong Ag enrichment at the outer surface, while composition remained almost constant within the rest of the film, at 0.019. For the films heated to 500°C, two layers were found, where the Ag/Ti ratios were 0.015 near the surface and 0.026 near the substrate.     

Sol-Gel Poly-Component Nano-Sized Oxide Powders

Nano-sized, amorphous and monodispersed poly-component powders in the Al₂O₃–TiO₂–MgO and Al₂O₃–TiO₂–SiO₂ systems have been obtained by the sol-gel method. These powders have been characterized by XRD, IR spectroscopy, DTA/TGA and EDAX spectrometry. This last method confirmed the composition of the ternary powders, which are formed during the gelation process.The powders were tested as precursors for obtaining advanced ceramics, as tialite, Al₂TiO₅. The samples prepared with powders obtained by sol-gel method have shown a high reactivity, and the formation of tialite was improved.     

TiO2/SiO2纳米薄膜的光催化活性和亲水性

通过sol gel工艺在钠钙玻璃表面制备了均匀透明的TiO2/SiO2复合纳米薄膜.实验结 果表明: 当SiO2添加量较高时, TiO2/SiO2复合纳米薄膜的光催化活性明显降低;当SiO2添加 量较低时,TiO2/SiO2复合薄膜的光催化活性无明显变化.在TiO2薄膜中添加SiO2,可以抑制薄 膜中TiO2晶粒的长大,同时薄膜表面的羟基含量增加, 水在复合薄膜表面的润湿角下降, 亲 水能力增强.当SiO2含量为10％－20％（摩尔分数）时获得了润湿角为0°的超亲水性薄膜.     

Structure and Optical Properties of 0.1BiFeO3-0.9SrBi2Nb2O9 Thin Films Using a Modified Sol-Gel Technique

Fe-doped SrBi₂Nb₂O₉ precursor solution was synthesized using bismuth nitrate Bi(NO₃)₃·5H₂O, strontium nitrate Sr(NO₃)₂, iron nitrate Fe(NO₃)₃·9H₂O, and niobium ethoxide Nb(OC₂H₅)₅ as starting materials, ethylene glycol monomethyl ether (C₃H₈O₂) as the solvent. 0.1BiFeO₃-0.9SrBi₂Nb₂O₉ thin films were prepared on fused quartz substrates using sol-gel processing. The surface morphology and crystal structure and optical properties of the thin films were investigated. The thin film annealing at 400°C were found to be amorphous, and the thin films crystallize to a perovskite structure after a post-deposition annealing at 600°C for 1 h in air. The grain of thin film was evenly distributed. The thin films exhibit the designed optical transmission, while the optical transition is indirect in nature. Their optical band gap is about 2.5 eV.     

Photo-Induced Hydrophilicity of TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> Films Deposited on Stainless Steel via Sol-Gel Technique

The photo-induced hydrophilicity of TiO₂ films deposited on stainless steel substrates and silicon wafers using two different sol-gel routes has been investigated. The results indicate that crystalline titanium oxide films with excellent hydrophilic properties can be obtained on silicon wafer with both routes. XPS and XRD data reveal that films deposited on stainless steel exhibit crystallization features similar to those of films deposited on silicon wafers, and only differ by their oxidation degree owing to a TiO₂ reduction process associated to a diffusion of iron ions during deposition of the acidic sol and/or high temperature post-treatment. Consequently, hydrophilic properties of films deposited on stainless steel are inhibited. The deposition of a SiO_x barrier layer at the film/substrate interface allows preventing such a detrimental substrate influence. A low temperature deposition route of the TiO₂ film associated to the presence of a barrier layer yields best results in preventing iron contamination of the films.     

Influences of Solvent on Properties of TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> Porous Films Prepared by a Sol-Gel Method from the System Containing PEG

Ethanol, n-butanol, mixed ethanol/terpineol and ethanol/1-decanol were used as the solvents to prepare porous TiO₂ films by the sol-gel method from the system containing tetrabutylorthotitanate as starting material and PEG as a template. The comparison of effects of the four solvents on the porous structure, film thickness, crystallization behavior from amorphous to anatase and optical properties of the resultant TiO₂ porous films are discussed. The maximum thickness of the film prepared by one-run dip-coating reaches over 1.17 μm when 1-decanol is used as the solvent. The mechanism for formation of the porous structure is interpreted based on the phase separation and self-assembly of PEG in the sol systems.     

Sol-Gel Derived Functionally Graded TiO2/HAP Films on Ti-6Al-4V Implants

Functionally graded TiO₂/HAP coatings were prepared on Ti6Al4V implants by sol-gel process using calcium nitrate and phosphoric acid dissolved in ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, and titanium isopropoxide chelated by acethylacetone, isopropanol and water as starting materials. TiO₂/HAP coating sols with variable HAP concentrations from 0% to 100% at 10% intervals were orderly spin coated on the substrates and pyrolyzed at 500°C in air. Well-crystallized HAP coatings between coating and substrate confirmed by X-ray diffraction and field emission-scanning electron microscopy were obtained by final annealing at 500°C in argon. In this work, bioactivities of the coating were studied by examining the variation of ion concentration of Ca and P in simulated body fluid after soaking using an inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometer. Coating surfaces after soaking in simulated body fluid indicated significant morphological changes by field emission-scanning electron microscopy.