SUPER HYDROPHILIC PROPERTY AND PHOTOCATALYTIC ACTIVITY OF Na DOPED K/TiO2 THIN FILMS COATED ON Ti SUBSTRATES UNDER VISIBLE LIGHT IRRADIATION

In this context, the present work was dedicated to the tailored synthesis of Na doped K/TiO2 thin films for their hydrophilic property and photocatalytic activity. In particular, the systems were synthesized by a sol-gel route and thoroughly characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The photocatalytic activities degrading methylene blue (MB) in solution were determined, expecting these activities to correlate with the hydrophobic property. The results showed that 3Na/K/TiO2 thin film has super-hydrophilicity and photocatalysis under fluorescence light irradiation. The high hydrophilic property was mainly related to the high level of OH-radicals on its surface. The super-hydrophilicity of all new doped TiO2 thin films was found at room temperature for 15 min. Moreover, 3Na/K/TiO2 thin film was proven to have excellent photocatalysis and hydrophilicity in the visible region simultaneously, which made the application of 3Na/K/TiO2 thin film as self-cleaning and anti-fogging material practical under everyday condition.