TiO ₂ thin films by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis as photocatalytic material for air purification

Abstract

In this study, we showed that the TiO 2 thin films deposited onto window glass are practicable for air purification and self-cleaning applications. TiO 2 films were deposited onto window glass by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis method. Different deposition temperatures were used in the range of 250–450°C. The structural, morphological, optical properties and surface chemical composition were investigated to understand probable factors affecting photocatalytic performance and wettability of the TiO 2 thin films. The TiO 2 thin films were smooth, compacted and adhered adequately on the substrate with a thickness in the range of 100–240 nm. X-ray diffraction patterns revealed that all the TiO 2 thin films consisted of anatase phase structure with the mean crystallite size in the range of 13–35 nm. The optical measurements showed that the deposited films were highly transparent (approx. 85%). The wettability test results showed that the TiO 2 thin films sprayed at 350°C and 450°C and annealed at 500°C for 1 h were superhydrophilic. The photocatalytic activity of the films was tested for the degradation of methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) in multi-section plug-flow reactor. The TiO 2 film deposited at 350°C exhibited the highest amount of conversion of MTBE, approximately 80%.

Photocatalytic Degradation of Different VOCs in the Gas-Phase over TiO2 Thin Films Prepared by Ultrasonic Spray Pyrolysis

“…In our previous study, TiO 2 thin films were examined for photocatalytic conversion of gaseous MTBE on the TiO 2 surface. The TiO 2 film deposited on window glass exhibited conversion of MTBE of approximately 80% [5]. To the best of our knowledge, no prior studies have examined photodecomposition of heptane on transparent TiO 2 thin films.…”

“…Among VOCs, acetone and acetaldehyde are common chemicals used extensively in a variety of industrial and domestic applications and are found in appreciable concentrations in indoor air [2,3]. Methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) and heptane are fuel components released to the atmosphere from gasoline and motor vehicle exhaust [4,5]. They are considered as outdoor generated VOCs, which also affect indoor air quality, especially in buildings close to parking lots or streets.…”

“…Among the non-vacuum solution based techniques, spray pyrolysis is a robust, cost-effective, and easily up-scalable chemical method [32,33]. In the spray pyrolysis method, aerosols are generated by a nebulizer (e.g., pneumatic, ultrasonic, or electrostatic) or an ultrasonic generator and carried in a gas flow through a furnace [34,35] or onto a hot plate [5]. Among the various nebulization techniques available, the use of ultrasonic spray pyrolysis (USP) was favoured because of the generation of small-sized initial droplets, and the inherent low velocity of the initially formed aerosol [35].…”

Key Factors for Template‐Oriented Porous Titania Synthesis: Solvents and Catalysts

“…During the past decades, nanostructured titania thin films have been widely studied due to their attractive properties such as high electron mobility and mechanical flexibility. [1][2][3][4][5][6] In particular mesoporous titania films were successfully used in energy related applications. Examples include various types of next-generation solar cells, gas sensing, lithium/sodium ion batteries, and photocatalysis.…”

Synthesis and Effect of TIO2 on Electrical Conductivity of Poly (2, 5-Dimethoxyaniline)/ TIO2 Thin Film

“…The rutile phase is in stabilized state than the anatase phase for range of temperatures [4]. Though many techniques have been preferred for the TiO 2 thin films, like thermal oxidation method [5],sputtering [6], pyrolysis method [7], chemical vapor deposition (CVD) [8] sol-gel [9] is the most accepted method for its own advantageous like uncomplicated, inexpensive and time saving. In this work TiO 2 nano particles are synthesized at different mol concentration of precursor solution using sol-gel dip coating technique to study the electrical property of proton enriched p type Poly(2,5-dimethoxyaniline) /TiO 2 blend thin film.…”