Preparation of Titania Nanosheet-Precipitated Coatings on Glass Substrates by Treating SiO2-TiO2 Gel Films with Hot Water Under Vibrations

Titania nanosheet-precipitated coatings have been prepared by treating SiO₂-TiO₂ gel films on glass substrates with hot water at 90°C under vibration. Longitudinal vibrations at about 6 Hz during the treatment enhanced the formation of titania nanosheet. The titania nanosheet consisted of several layers with a spacing of about 0.6 nm and was identified as hydrated titania with a lepidocrocite-type structure. The morphology of the titania nanosheet-precipitated coatings is probably achieved by lowering of the concentration of hydrolyzed titania species at the surface due to rapid water flow driven by the vibrations. The coatings were transparent in the visible range and showed high photocatalytic activity and antifogging property.     

Synthesis of zwitterionic shell cross-linked micelles with pH-dependent hydrophilicity

Synthesis of bi-functional silica particles by a simple wet chemical method is described where the mixture of ultra fine nanoparticles (1-3 nm) of titania and silver were attached on the silica particle surface in a controlled way to form a core-shell structure. The silica surface showed efficient bi-functional activity of photo-catalytically self cleaning and antibacterial activity due to nanotitania and nanosilver mutually benefiting each other's function. The optimum silver concentration was found where extremely small silver nanoparticles are formed and the total composite particle remains white in color. This is an important property in view of certain applications such as antibacterial textiles where the original fabric color has to be retained even after applying the nanosilver on it. The particles were characterized at each step of the synthesis by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, UV-visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy. Bi-functional silica particles showed accelerated photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue as well as enhanced antibacterial property when tested as such particles and textiles coated with these bi-functional silica particles even at lower silver concentration.     

Electrodeposition of iron/titania composite coatings from methanesulfonate electrolyte

The possibility of deposition of Fe/TiO₂ composite electroplated coatings from methanesulfonate electrolyte was demonstrated. The kinetics of the codeposition of dispersed phase particles is described by the Guglielmi model. Incorporation of titania particles into the iron matrix leads to enhancement of the coating microhardness due to dispersion strengthening. The Fe/TiO₂ composite coatings exhibit catalytic activity in photochemical decomposition of Methyl Orange dye in aqueous solution.     

Photocatalytic titania based surfaces: Environmental benefits

The use of photocatalytic titania nanoparticles in the development of self-cleaning and de-polluting paints and microbiological surfaces is demonstrated. In the former case surface erosion and sensitised photooxidation is shown to be controlled by the use of catalytic grades of anatase nanoparticles. For environmental applications in the development of coatings and cementitious materials for destroying atmospheric pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOX) stable substrates are also illustrated with photocatalytic nanoparticles. Here porosity of the coatings through calcium carbonate doping is shown to be crucial in the control of the effective destruction of atmospheric NOX gases. Good environmental stability of the coatings is also crucial for long-term durability and this aspect is examined for a variety of material substrates. For the development of microbiological substrates for the destruction of harmful bacteria/fungi effective nanoparticle anatase titania is shown to be important with hydrated high surface area particles giving the greatest activity. Data from commercial pilot studies is used to signify the important practicalities of this type of new technology.     

SiO2 coated pure and doped titania pigments: low temperature CVD deposition and quantum chemical study

We report the in-flight CVD coating with smooth 1-2 nm thick SiO(2) of pure and doped rutile particles via the oxidation of SiCl(4) vapour introduced in the high temperature zone of a purpose built thermal reactor. The effectiveness of the coatings was determined by a combination of electron microscopy, surface analysis and photocatalytic measurements. No excess Cl was detected on the coated pigment particles indicating the complete oxidation of the SiCl(4) precursor. In conjunction with the experimental outcomes of this optimised deposition process, we use first-principles density functional and semi-empirical quantum chemical calculations to examine the underlying electronic processes which determined the morphology and photocatalytic properties of the coated titania. We highlight the presence of low lying valence electronic states which reduce photocatalytic activity, and as a consequence decrease the population of photo-excited titania electrons which transfer to the surrounding matrix. Born-Oppenheimer molecular dynamics (MD) simulations indicate that the coating process is completed within the order of 10 ps.     

Enhanced Adsorption Capacity and Photo-Catalytic Oxidative Activity of Dyes in Aqueous Medium by Hydrothermally Treated Titania Pillared Clay

Titania pillared montmorillonite clay was prepared by two different routes viz. 1) conventional ion exchange method and 2) modified method wherein the post hydrothermal treatment after ion-exchange was employed. The influence of the post hydrothermal treatment on the textural properties of titania-pillared clays was studied. The calcined clay was characterized by different physico-chemical techniques such as XRD, EDX, low temperature (77 K) nitrogen adsorption and UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The content of pillared titania remained unchanged irrespective of the method of preparation. The method of preparation and severity of the conditions employed for the hydrothermal treatment resulted in alteration of the crystallinity and crystallite size of the anatase. The changes in the average pore diameter was found to comensurate with the changes in crystallite size of anatase phase. The increase in total pore volume as a function of the severity of the post hydrothermal treatment resulted in the decrease in micropore volume. The severity of the post hydrothermal treatment governed the extent of the blue shift in UV-Vis DRS spectra.The behaviour of titania pillared clays in adsorptive capacity and in photo-catalytic oxidation of methylene blue and victoria pure blue in aqueous medium was studied as a function of their physico-chemical characteristics. The titania pillared clays prepared by post hydrothermal route has shown enhanced adsorption capacity and photo-catalytic oxidation.     

SYNTHESIS OF POLYSTYRENE/TiO_2 CORE-SHELL MATERIALS

TiO_2-coated polystyrene nanoparticles were prepared in a simple way.First,functional PS particles were synthesized by copolymerizing one kind of polymerizable surfactant with styrene.Then the stable dispersions of polystyrene nanoparticles were used as templates,and polystyrene nanoparticles were coated with titania by in situ hydrolysis of tetra-n- butyl titanate (TBT).No surface treatment and centrifugation/redispersion cycle process were needed during the whole experiment.Isolated PS spheres with uni...     

不同形貌TiO2的水热合成及对苯酚的降解研究

采用水热合成法, 通过对溶液的pH值、反应物配比、陈化温度及陈化时间等条件的控制, 合成出不同晶型及形貌的TiO2纳米粒子. 结果表明, 溶液的pH＝11, n(钛酸丁酯):n(三乙醇胺)＝1:2, 陈化温度为150 ℃, 陈化时间为48 h时, 能得到较规则的、长径比约为4:1的棒状TiO2. 当溶液pH<10时, 得到球形的TiO2纳米粒子; 陈化时间为24 h时, 得到纺锤形TiO2纳米晶. 以上合成的纳米粒子均为锐钛矿型, 但当溶液的pH>12时, 则得到板钛矿型TiO2粒子. 以苯酚为降解模型, 考察了不同形貌TiO2的光催化活性.     

Preparation and photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation of mesostructured titania particles modified with phthalocyanine in the pores

Mesostructured titania particles modified with phthalocyanine (Pc) were prepared by using molecular self-assemblies of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) with solubilized Pc as a template. Low-angle X-ray diffraction pattern and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) image clearly show the formation of Pc/titania particles with hexagonal mesopore structures. Diffuse reflectance UV–vis spectrum and fluorescence spectrum of Pc/titania indicate that Pc molecules in the pores are in a monomeric state. In addition, Pc/titania particles have photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation (>610 nm) due to the reduction reaction by the electrons transferred from Pc to titania.     

Enhanced photocatalytic activity in composites of TiO2 nanotubes and CdS nanoparticles

A new composite consisting of TiO(2) nanotubes and CdS nanoparticles, where CdS particles bind covalently to the titania surface through a bifunctional organic linker, was successfully fabricated; this titania nanotube-based composite shows enhanced photocatalytic activity under visible-light irradiation.     

Fabrication of hollow titania microspheres with tailored shell thickness

Submicron hollow spheres are an interesting class of materials that receive significant attention nowadays. Closed and mechanically robust homogeneous hollow titania microspheres with as much shell thickness as 130 nm were fabricated by coating polystyrene beads with titania nanoparticles using sol–gel chemistry and subsequently removing the core either via heating or a chemical dissolution process. The thickness of the titania shell deposited on polystyrene core was finely tuned between 100 and 130 nm by varying the concentration of titania precursor, i.e., Ti(OEt)₄ salt from 0.5 to 2 mM during the coating process. The obtained hybrid core–shell particles and hollow microspheres were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and thermo-gravimetric analysis. The approach employed is well suited to the preparation of titania-coated polystyrene hybrid particles and hollow titania spheres, which can find their applications as novel building blocks with unique optical properties for fabrication of advanced materials, catalyst, and drug delivery system.     

Synthesis and Properties of Cerium and Titanium Oxide Thin Coatings for Corrosion Protection of 304 Stainless Steel

Powders and thin coatings of ceria and titania were synthesized from aqueous and solvent-based precursors. Thin coatings were deposited on polished 304 stainless steel coupons by dipping them in the appropriate sol-gel oxide precursors. The coatings were subsequently densified and crystallized at several hundreds of degrees. It was possible to obtain dense titania coatings by applying thin coatings of cerium dioxide prior to titania on stainless steel substrates. Underlayer ceria coatings proved to be pivotal in obtaining dense titania coatings and preserving the integrity of the stainless steel while going through the high temperature treatments. The effect of processing parameters such as the atmosphere of heat-treatment, and temperature on the microstructure and crystal structure of the films and powders of ceria and titania was investigated. X-ray diffraction was used to identify the crystal structure of films and powders upon heat-treatment. Electrochemical measurements in NaCl, and analytical techniques such as SEM and EDX were used to evaluate the corrosion performance and pitting morphology of coated samples. A composite coating of ceria and titania was able to prevent crevice corrosion and increase the pitting resistance of the 304 stainless steel relative to the uncoated substrate.     

SYNTHESIS OF POLYSTYRENE/TiO2 CORE-SHELL MATERIAL

 TiO₂-coated polystyrene nanoparticles were prepared in a simple way. First, functional PS particles were synthesized by copolymerizing one kind of polymerizable surfactant with styrene. Then the stable dispersions of polystyrene nanoparticles were used as templates, and polystyrene nanoparticles were coated with titania by in situ hydrolysis of tetra-n-butyl titanate (TBT). No surface treatment and centrifugation/redispersion cycle process were needed during the whole experiment. Isolated PS spheres with uniform coatings of titania were obtained when water concentration was lower than a certain level.     

Low Temperature Sol-Gel Processed Photocatalytic Titania Coating

Transparent thin film coatings of sol-gel derived titanium dioxide were produced on cotton fabrics at a low temperature of 150°C. The photocatalytic activity of the formed layers was studied by means of their antibacterial property. SEM images show the formation of continuous layers of titanium dioxide with grains of about 20 nm in diameter. The UV-blocking effect of titania coatings was also studied. XRD patterns revealed the existence of anatase phase in a small scale within the titania layers.     

具有光催化性能的TiO_2-SiO_2/TiO_2两层增透膜的设计与制备

采用膜层设计理论设计了以TiO2为内层膜,TiO2-SiO2复合膜为外层膜的两层增透膜,以钛酸丁酯(TBOT)和正硅酸乙酯(TEOS)作为前驱体,采用溶胶-凝胶法制备了TiO2溶胶以及SiO2溶胶,将两种溶胶按比例混合得到了TiO2-SiO2复合溶胶,在高硼硅玻璃上镀膜测试。透过率测试结果表明,在波长为550 nm处的透过率最高能达到99.4%。在光催化实验中,采用罗丹明B模拟有机污染物,考察了TiO2对光催化反应的影响。结果表明,在TiO2存在的情况下,罗丹明B的降解速度大大提高,光催化效率显著增加。     

Titania-coated polystyrene hybrid microballs prepared with miniemulsion polymerization

Hybrid microballs with polystyrene cores coated by titania nanoparticles were prepared in miniemulsion polymerization. Acrylic acid was used as a comonomer to promote locating titania nanoparticles on the polymer's surface. The addition of a hydrophobic agent effectively prevents monomer diffusing into the aqueous phase. The morphology of hybrid particles was examined with the transmission electron microscope, and its change pattern with reactive conditions was observed. The infrared spectra of hybrid nanoparticles showed that there existed a certain interaction between titania nanoparticles and polymers. The crystallization morphology of hybrid particles before and after calcination was characterized with X-ray diffraction.     

Effects of Ti Addition on Alumina/Titania Composite Aerogels Synthesized by Sol–Gel Process and Supercritical Ethanol Drying

Alumina/titania composite aerogels with different titania contents were synthesized by the sol–gel process and supercritical ethanol drying. The structures and morphologies of synthesized aerogels were analyzed by X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetry, and N₂ adsorption–desorption tests. Supercritical ethanol drying induced the crystallization of titania, which prompted the transformation of the structure from pseudoboehmite to γ‐Al₂O₃ . Reversely, alumina retarded the anatase‐to‐rutile transformation of titania. The content of titania significantly affected the structure and morphology of alumina/titania composite aerogels. A high content of titania (≥40%) resulted in the phase separation of titania particles, which grew to form the anatase phase octahedral particles with well‐developed facets. When the titania content was low, titania particles could be homogeneously dispersed in alumina particles to form spherical clusters with the poor crystallinity. Titania particles were in the anatase phase, and no rutile phase was formed until the temperature rose to 1000°C. In addition, titania addition resulted in a decrease in the specific surface area (SSA) of alumina aerogels because the SSA of titania was lower than that of alumina aerogels.     

纳米TiO_2薄膜的制备及性能表征

采用溶胶-凝胶法制备了以玻璃为基底具有高光催化活性,表面均匀、透明、无裂纹的纳米TiO2薄膜.研究了反应物配比对薄膜表面形貌、透光率和光催化活性的影响,确定了最佳反应物配比.采用扣除背景干扰的方法,利用甲基橙的降解率对TiO2薄膜的光催化性能进行了评价,对其透光率、光催化活性以及物相形貌进行了表征.结果表明,在最佳反应物配比条件下,所制备的TiO2薄膜表面光滑平整,粒径为纳米级且分布均匀,具有80%高透光率和99%高光催化活性.     

具有光催化性能的TiO2-SiO2/TiO2两层增透膜的设计与制备

采用膜层设计理论设计了以TiO₂为内层膜,TiO₂-SiO₂复合膜为外层膜的两层增透膜,以钛酸丁酯（TBOT）和正硅酸乙酯（TEOS）作为前驱体,采用溶胶-凝胶法制备了TiO₂溶胶以及SiO₂溶胶,将两种溶胶按比例混合得到了TiO₂-SiO₂复合溶胶,在高硼硅玻璃上镀膜测试。透过率测试结果表明,在波长为550nm处的透过率最高能达到99.4%。在光催化实验中,采用罗丹明B模拟有机污染物,考察了TiO₂对光催化反应的影响。结果表明,在TiO₂存在的情况下,罗丹明B的降解速度大大提高,光催化效率显著增加。     

On-line tracking of the coating of nanoscaled silica with titania nanoparticles via zeta-potential measurements

Nanoscaled spherical silica particles were directly coated with the titania nanoparticles by means of a heterogenic coagulation. Silica was prepared by the Stöber method, titania by a hydrolysis–condensation reaction of tetrapropylorthotitanate under acidic conditions. The on-line tracking of the coating process was performed by measuring the change in zeta potential during the gradual addition of a titania sol to the spherical silica particles. Silica particles of various sizes were used to determine the consumption of the titania sol in the dependence upon the particle size. The coated and uncoated particles were characterized by zeta-potential measurements, acoustic attenuation spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, and scanning electron microscopy.