Low-temperature liquid phase deposited TiO2 films on stainless steel for photogenerated cathodic protection applications

The low-temperature synthesis of anatase TiO₂ films was an imperative requirement for their application to corrosion prevention of metals. In this paper, a liquid phase deposition (LPD) technique was developed to prepare TiO₂ films on SUS304 stainless steel (304SS) at a relatively low temperature (80 °C). The as-prepared films were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photon spectroscopy (XPS). It was observed that a dense and crack-free anatase TiO₂ film with a thickness about 300 nm was obtained. The film contained some fluorine and nitrogen elements, and the amounts of these impurities were greatly decreased upon calcination. Under the white light illumination, the electrode potential of TiO₂ coated 304SS rapidly shifted to a more negative direction. Moreover, the photopotential of TiO₂/304SS electrode showed more negative values with increased film thickness. In conclusion, the photogenerated cathodic protection of 304SS was achieved by the low-temperature LPD-derived TiO₂ film.     

Effect of TiO2/Al2O3 film coated diamond abrasive particles by sol-gel technique

The diamond abrasive particles were coated with the TiO₂/Al₂O₃ film by the sol-gel technique. Compared with the uncoated diamonds, the TiO₂/Al₂O₃ film was excellent material for the protection of the diamonds. The results showed that the incipient oxidation temperature of the TiO₂/Al₂O₃ film coated diamonds in air atmosphere was 775 °C, which was higher 175 °C than that of the uncoated diamonds. And the coated diamonds also had better the diamond's single particle compressive strength and the impact toughness than that of uncoated diamonds after sintering at 750 °C. For the vitrified bond grinding wheels, replacing the uncoated diamonds with the TiO₂/Al₂O₃ film coated diamonds, the volume expansion of the grinding wheels decreased from 6.2% to 3.4%, the porosity decreased from 35.7% to 25.7%, the hardness increased from 61.2H_RC to 66.5H_RC and the grinding ratio of the vitrified bond grinding wheels to carbide alloy (YG8) increased from 11.5 to 19.1.     

The structure and photoluminescence properties of TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>-coated ZnS nanowires

The structure and photoluminescence properties of TiO₂-coated ZnS nanowires were investigated. ZnS nanowires were synthesized by thermal evaporation of ZnS powder and then coated with TiO₂ by using the metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) technique. We performed scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy to characterize the as-synthesized and TiO₂-coated ZnS nanowires. TEM and XRD analyses revealed that the ZnS core and the TiO₂ coatings had crystalline zinc blende and crystalline anatase structures, respectively. PL measurement at room temperature showed that the as-synthesized ZnS nanowires had two emissions: a blue emission centered in the range from 430 to 440 nm and a green emission at around 515 nm. The green emission was found to be dominant in the ZnS nanowires coated with TiO₂ by MOCVD at 350°C for one or more hours, while the blue emission was dominant in the as-synthesized ZnS nanowires. Also the mechanisms of the emissions were discussed.     

Ag/TiO2 sol prepared by a sol–gel method and its photocatalytic activity

Ag/TiO₂ sol with narrow particle size distribution was synthesized using TiCl₄ as the starting material. TiCl₄ was converted to Ti(OH)₄ gel. The Ag/TiO₂ sol was prepared by a process where H₂O₂ was added and then heated at 90–97 °C. After condensation reaction and crystallization, a transparent sol with suspended Ag/TiO₂ was formed. Ag/TiO₂ was characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, contact angle analysis, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The photocatalytic properties of Ag/TiO₂ film were evaluated by degradation of methylene blue in aqueous solution under UV light irradiation. The suspended Ag/TiO₂ particles were rhombus primary particles with the major axis ca. 40 nm and the minor axis ca. 10 nm. Ag nanoparticles were well dispersed on TiO₂ and the particle size was only 1–2 nm. Ag could restrain the recombination of photo-generated electrons and holes effectively. Transparent thin films could be obtained through dip-coating glass substrate in the sol. The thin film had strong hydrophilicity after being illuminated by UV light. Ag/TiO₂ film showed a significant increase in photocatalytic activity compared to the TiO₂ film. The high amount of surface hydroxyls on Ag/TiO₂ film also played an important role in its photocatalytic activity.     

Surface functionalisation of polymer nanofibres by sputter coating of titanium dioxide

The surface properties of nanofibres are of importance in various applications. In this work, electrospun polyamide nanofibres were used as substrates for creating functional nanostructures on the nanofibre surfaces. A RF magnetron sputter coating was used to deposit the functional layer of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) onto the nanofibres. Atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) were employed to study the topography, grain structure and wetting of the nanofibre surfaces, respectively. The AFM results indicated a significant difference in the morphology of the nanofibres before and after the TiO₂ sputter coating. The XRD analysis showed the amorphous structures of the TiO₂ deposition layer. XPS spectra reflected the chemical features of the deposited nanostructures. The ESEM observation revealed that the surface wettability of TiO₂ sputter coated nanofibres was significantly improved after UV irradiation.     

Applications of vertically oriented TiO2 micro-pillars array on the electrode of dye-sensitized solar cell

In this research, dye-sensitized solar cells based on TiO₂ micro-pillars fabricated by inductive couple plasma etcher were investigated by analyses of X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), contact angle, ultraviolet-visible absorption spectra (UV-vis), and current-voltage characteristics. X-ray diffraction patterns show that the TiO₂ anatase phase forms while sintering at 450 °C for 30 min. The SEM images reveal that the diameter and height of TiO₂ micro-pillars are about 3 and 0.8 μm, respectively. The measurements of contact angle between TiO₂ micro-pillars and deionized water (DI water) reveal that the TiO₂ micro-pillars is super-hydrophilic while annealed at 450 °C for 30 min.The absorption spectrum of TiO₂ micro-pillars is better than TiO₂ thin film and can be widely improved in visible region with N3 dye adsorbed. The results of current-voltage (I-V) characteristics analysis reveal that dye-sensitized solar cell with TiO₂ micro-pillars electrode has better I-V characteristics and efficiency than TiO₂ film electrodes. This result may be due to the annealed TiO₂ micro-pillars applied on the electrode of dye-sensitized solar cell can increase the contact area between TiO₂ and dye, resulting in the enhancement of I-V characteristics and efficiency for dye-sensitized solar cell.     

Preparation and photocatalytic activity of CeO2/TiO2 interface composite film

The CeO₂/TiO₂ and TiO₂/CeO₂ interface composite films were prepared on glass substrates by the sol-gel process via dip-coating and calcining technique. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that the TiO₂ layer has a compact and uniformity glasslike surface with 200 nm in thickness, and the CeO₂ layer has a coarse surface with 240 nm in thickness. The X-ray diffractometer (XRD) analysis showed that the TiO₂ layer is made up of anatase phase, and the CeO₂ layer is structured by cubic fluorite phase. Through a series of photo-degradation experiments, the relationship of the photocatalytic activity with the constituents of the films was studied. In virtue of the efficient interfacial charge separation via the process of electron transfer from TiO₂ to CeO₂, the photocatalytic activity of the CeO₂/TiO₂ composite film is high. Contrarily, the photocatalytic activity of the TiO₂/CeO₂ composite film is low, due to its inert surface made up of CeO₂ with broad bandwidth. Apart from the effect of the film structure, the effect of film thickness on photocatalytic activity was also discussed.     

Application of TiO2 nano-particles on the electrode of dye-sensitized solar cells

In this study, nano-TiO₂ thin film electrode and solar cell have been investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), ultraviolet-visible absorption spectra, contact angle, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and current-voltage characteristics analyses. X-ray diffraction patterns show that the best sintering temperature of a nano-TiO₂ film is 600 °C, at which TiO₂ anatase phase forms best and the particle size of 8-10 nm can be obtained. The SEM images of a nano-TiO₂ thin film show that the surface of the film is smooth and porous, and the thickness of the nano-TiO₂ film is 4 μm. The measurements of contact angle between nano-TiO₂ film and deionized water (DI water) reveal that the nano-TiO₂ film is super-hydrophilic when solarized under ultraviolet. The electrode of dye-sensitized solar cell is used as a free-base porphyrin with carboxyl group, 5,10,15,20-tetrakis (4-carboxyphenyl) porphyrin (TCPP) as the sensitizer to adsorb onto the TiO₂ thin film. From the results of ultraviolet-visible absorption spectra and XPS analyses of the electrode, the effects of nano-TiO₂ particles’ addition to the electrode of dye-sensitized solar cell can improve the absorption of visible light (400-700 nm) and increase electrons transferred from TCPP to the conduction band of TiO₂, resulting in the enhancement of efficiency for dye-sensitized solar cells.     

Preparation and Characterization of Poly(Methyl Methacrylate) Coated TiO2 Nanoparticles

Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles were modified with poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) to improve the dispersion stability of the nanoparticles in a dielectric medium and to reduce the density mismatch between TiO₂ and a dielectric medium for a microcapsule‐type electrophoretic display application. Nanoparticles were coated with PMMA by in situ dispersion polymerization. The PMMA‐coated TiO₂ nanoparticles were characterized by fourier transform‐infrared spectrometrey (FT‐IR), electrophoretic light scattering (ELS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Density of PMMA‐coated TiO₂ nanoparticles was found to be dependent on the thickness of the PMMA coating on the nanoparticles. An increase of thermal stability of the PMMA layer and the contents of PMMA on the surface of the nanoparticles were measured via thermogravimetric analysis (TGA).     

Self-cleaning performance of polycarbonate surfaces coated with titania nanoparticles

The effect of NaOH-etching and UVC-irradiation on the mechanical stability of TiO₂ nanoparticles on polycarbonate (PC) slides was investigated. TiO₂ nanoparticles were found to adhere more strongly on UVC-treated PC than NaOH-etched PC, caused by the increase in the hydroxyl and carboxyl groups on the UVC-treated PC. Although a mechanically strong TiO₂ film was developed on UVC-treated PC, the sheet-like wetting effect and antifogging behaviour were only observed with the film coated on NaOH-etched PC. It was also detected that the film coated onto NaOH-etched PC exhibited a more superior performance in degrading methylene blue than that in the UVC-treated PC system. Evidences from the FTIR and AFM analyses indicated that the performance of TiO₂ films was strongly depended on the leaching rate of PEG.     

Composite SiO2/TiO2 and amine polymer/TiO2 nanoparticles produced using plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition

Plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition was used to conformally coat commercial TiO₂ nanoparticles to create nanocomposite materials. Hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO)/O₂ plasmas were used to deposit SiO₂ or SiO_xC_yH_z films, depending on the oxidant concentration; and hexylamine (HexAm) plasmas were used to deposit amorphous amine-containing polymeric films on the TiO₂ nanoparticles. The composite materials were analyzed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). These analyses reveal film composition on the nanoparticles was virtually identical to that deposited on flat substrates and that the films deposit a conformal coating on the nanoparticles. The performance of the nanocomposite materials was evaluated using UV-vis spectroscopy to determine the dispersion characteristics of both SiO_x and HexAm coated TiO₂ materials. Notably, the coated materials stay suspended longer in distilled water than the uncoated materials for all deposited films.     

Deposition of Au/TiO2 film by pulsed laser

Au nanoparticles, which were photoreduced by a Nd:YAG laser in HAuCl₄ solution containing TiO₂ colloid and accompanied by the TiO₂ particles, were deposited on the substrate surface. The film consisting of Au/TiO₂ particles was characterized by the absorption spectra, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The adhesion between the film and substrate was evaluated by using adhesive tape test. It was found that the presence of TiO₂ dramatically enhanced the adhesion strength between the film and the substrate, as well as the deposition rate of film. The mechanism for the deposition of Au/TiO₂ film was also discussed.     

Preparation and characterization of Cobalt Sulfophthalocyanine/TiO2/fly-ash cenospheres photocatalyst and study on degradation activity under visible light

Cobalt Sulfophthalocyanine (CoSPc) sensitized TiO₂ sol samples were prepared through a Sol-Gel method using Cobalt Sulfophthalocyanine as a sensitizer. Loading and modified floating photocatalyst was prepared by hydrothermal method using fly-ash cenospheres as a carrier. The properties of the samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectrum (DRS). Photocatalytic activity was studied by degrading wastewater of methylene blue under visible light. The results indicate that the fly-ash cenospheres are covered by modified TiO₂ film which composed of the anatase, brookite and rutile misch crystal phase. CoSPc/TiO₂/fly-ash cenospheres samples have good catalytic activity under visible light, and have strong absorbency during 600-700 nm. The sensitization of CoSPc can enhance visible light catalytic activity of TiO₂/fly-ash cenospheres. The degradation rate of methylene blue reaches 73.36% in 180 min under the visible light illumination. But too much CoSPc can decrease its catalytic activity.     

Synthesis and application in solar cell of poly(3-dodecylthiophene)/titanium dioxide nanocomposite

A conducting polymer composite poly(3-dodecylthiophene)/titanium dioxide (P3DDT/TiO₂) nanocomposite was first synthesized through the ultrasonic method. The results from X-ray diffraction (XRD) and infrared spectroscopy (IR) show that there is chemical interaction in the composite. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) depict the morphology of the samples, defining that TiO₂ was successfully coated by poly(3-dodecylthiophene) molecules. The energy gap of the poly(3-dodecylthiophene)/titanium dioxide composite is lower to 0.76 eV compare with poly(3-dodecylthiophene) and titanium dioxide separately, and it also shows that the optical performance of the new material is far superior than P3DDT or TiO₂ separately by ultraviolet-visible spectra (UV) and fluorescence spectroscopy (PL). Solar cell was sensitized by P3DDT/TiO₂. A solar-to-electric energy conversion efficiency of 0.188% was attained with the system.     

TiO2 nanoparticle thin film deposition by matrix assisted pulsed laser evaporation for sensing applications

The MAPLE technique has been used for the deposition of nanostructured titania (TiO₂) nanoparticles thin films to be used for gas sensors applications. An aqueous solution of TiO₂ nanoparticles, synthesised by a novel chemical route, was frozen at liquid nitrogen temperature and irradiated with a pulsed ArF excimer laser in a vacuum chamber. A uniform distribution of TiO₂ nanoparticles with an average size of about 10 nm was deposited on Si and interdigitated Al₂O₃ substrates as demonstrated by high resolution scanning electron microscopy-field emission gun inspection (SEM-FEG). Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis revealed the presence of only the titanium and oxygen signals and FTIR (Fourier transform infra-red) revealed the TiO₂ characteristic composition and bond. A comparison with a spin coated thin film obtained from the same solution of TiO₂ nanoparticles is reported. The sensing properties of the films deposited on interdigitated substrates were investigated, too.     

Characteristics of SrBi2Ta2O9 ferroelectric films in an in situ applied low electric field prepared by metalorganic decomposition

SrBi₂Ta₂O₉ (SBT) films were prepared on Pt/TiO₂/SiO₂/Si substrates at 750 °C in oxygen by metalorganic decomposition method. A low electric field was in situ applied during the film crystallization. It was first found that a low electric field and its direction have significant influence on the microstructures and ferroelectric properties of SBT films. Under a positive electric field (assuming that the bottom electrode is electrically grounded), the films show stronger c-axis-preferred orientation than without electric field and under a negative electric field. As a possible origin is proposed that the interface-induced nucleation growth between SBT and Pt coated substrate with application of low electric field plays a key role. Above all, an in situ applied low electric field during the film crystallization is a promising technique controlling film orientation for film preparation by wet chemical method.     

A corrosion-resistance superhydrophobic TiO2 film

A superhydrophobic TiO₂ film with water contact angle greater than 170° on Hastelloy substrate was fabricated through simply dip-coating method from TiO₂ precursor solution containing TiO₂ nanoparticles with the average diameter 25 nm, followed by heat-treatment and modification with fluoroalkylsilane (FAS) molecules. The as-obtained sample was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and water contact angle measurement respectively. Moreover, the dynamic light scattering (DLS) size distribution of TiO₂ aggregated particles in the TiO₂ precursor solution containing P25 particles was evaluated by Laser Particle Sizer. It is found that the TiO₂ nanoparticles in TiO₂ precursor solution play a crucial role to form high superhydrophobicity. Simultaneously, the superhydrophobic TiO₂ film still showed great superhydrophobicity after corroded with strong acid or alkali solutions and protected the substrate from corrosion which should be critical to the potential application in industry.     

Transparent titania nanotubes of micrometer length prepared by anodization of titanium thin film deposited on ITO

Transparent TiO₂ nanotube arrays of micrometer lengths were prepared by anodization of titanium thin film RF sputtered on indium tin oxide (ITO) which was coated on glass substrate. The sputtering process took place at elevated temperature of 500 °C. The structures of the films were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) while the optical properties of the films were investigated using UV-visible spectroscopy. Two types of electrolytes were used in this work: an aqueous mixture of acetic acid and HF solution and a mixture of NH₄F and water dissolved in ethylene glycol. The concentration of NH₄F, voltage and the thickness of the sputtered titanium film were varied to study their effect on the formation of TiO₂ nanotube arrays. It is demonstrated in this work that the nanoporous layer is formed on top of the ordered array of TiO₂ nanotubes. Furthermore, the optical transmittance of TiO₂ nanotubes annealed at 450 °C is much lower than the non annealed TiO₂ nanotubes in the visible wavelength region.     

The effect of TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> coating on the electrochemical performance of ZnO nanorod as the anode material for lithium-ion battery

ZnO nanorods were coated with TiO₂ thin film using the atomic layer deposition (ALD) process. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy were used to characterize the crystal structure and surface morphology of the coated composites. Results of galvanostatic charge and discharge tests and cyclic voltammograms suggest that lithium ions can reversibly intercalate into and deintercalate from TiO₂-coated ZnO nanorods, and that stable cycling behavior in an ethylene carbonate-based electrolyte can be achieved. The TiO₂ coating is believed to reduce the degree of reaction electrodes have with the electrolyte during the charge–discharge process since the inactive coating layer prevents the electrode from having direct contact with the electrolyte. Furthermore, the one-dimensional nanorods provide a relatively higher surface area than those of their bulk form or thin film, which allows a much greater portion of atoms on the surface to undergo the electrochemical reaction. The electrochemical study indicates that the TiO₂-coated ZnO nanorod arrays might be a candidate for the anode material in Li-ion batteries.     

Surface modification of PMMA/O-MMT composite microfibers by TiO2 coating

In the present work, poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/organically modified montmorillonite (O-MMT) composite microfibers were firstly prepared by emulsion polymerization combined with electrospinning, and then coated by nanosize titanium dioxide (TiO₂) using RF magnetron sputter technique. The modified surfaces of PMMA/O-MMT composite microfibers were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-vis spectroscopy and drop shape analyzer. Finally, the photocatalytic properties of TiO₂ coated PMMA/O-MMT composite microfiber membranes were evaluated by degradation of methylene blue(MB) under UV illumination. The experimental results revealed that anatase-TiO₂ and rutile-TiO₂ nanoparticles were well spread and physically deposited on the surface of PMMA/O-MMT microfibers, and the wettability of the PMMA/O-MMT composite microfibers was improved after surface modification by sputter coating. Furthermore, the PMMA/O-MMT microfibers membrane coated with TiO₂ performed well in photocatalytic degradation of MB.