Preparation of Anatase Nanoparticles Thin Film Coatings by Sol-Gel Method at Low Temperature and Investigation of Their Photocatalytic Activities

In this study, Anatase TiO2 sol was synthesized under mild condition (80oC and ambient pressure) by hydrolysis of titanium-nbutoxide in acidic aqueous condition and subsequent reflux. Crystalline TiO2 sol was deposited on soda lime glass by spin coating method in ambient condition. Crystalline structure, particle size and morphology of deposited films were investigated by X-ray diffraction pattern, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. Results are indicative of anatase crystalline TiO2 with mean particle size of 30-40 nm which are uniformly distributed on thesurface. Photocatalytic activities of prepared films were systematically investigated by degradation of methylene blue (MB) and the results were compared with coatings which are prepared from commercial sol as well as heat treated sample at 650 oC. J. Color Sci. Tech. 3(2009), 121-129.© Institute for Color Science and Technology.