Preparation and characterization of photocatalytic TiO2/glymo nanocomposite films

The reflux method was utilized for the synthesis of 5% Sn-doped TiO2 nanopowder. Surfaces of the TiO2 particles were modified with 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (glymo) and glass surfaces were coated with this solution by a spin-coating process. Molar ratios of TiO2:glymo were 0.25, 0.5, 2.5, and 7.5 in the films. Nanocomposite films were cured at 130 degrees C. Adhesions of the obtained films were classified as 5B and pencil hardness increased with the increase in the ratio of the TiO2 in the films. Film thickness decreased from 5 mu m to 0.3 mu m when TiO2:glymo was increased from 0.25 to 7.5. The obtained films had sufficient mechanical integrity, and they were photocatalytically active and could degrade rhodamine B. The sample having a TiO2:glymo ratio of 7.5 presented the highest photoactivity. Low-temperature curing brings the advantage of utilization of the films on polymer substrates and also there is no need for a barrier layer between the coating and the substrate.