Infrared laser radiation-produced TiO-doped Si/SiOx/SiO2 nanocomposite—Entry to TiO-containing materials

• Published in: Journal of photochemistry and photobiology. A, Chemistry. Chemistry., 2017-01, Vol.332, p.376-383
• Main Authors: Jandová, V., Pokorná, D., Kupčík, J., Dytrych, P., Cuřínová, P., Fajgar, R., Pola, J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: IR laser ablation; Red-shifted UV–vis spectrum; Reduction of Methylene Blue; Silicon monoxide/titanium monoxide composite; Thin film deposition
• ISSN: 1010-6030; 1873-2666
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotochem.2016.09.019

[Display omitted] •IR laser ablation of mixed silicon and titanium monoxides.•Deposition of Si/SiOx/SiO2 film with incorporated TiO nanograins.•Film shaped into micron-sized cylinder plates.•Film reduces Methylene blue.•UV–vis absorption of film in visible region–promise for photocatalysis. Infrared laser-induced ablation of an equimolar titanium monoxide–silicon monoxide mixture allows deposition of a continuous TiO-doped Si/SiOx/SiO2 film which undergoes collapse into micron-sized cylindrical-shaped plates. The film and the scrolls were analyzed by Raman and FTIR spectroscopy and electron microscopy and confirmed to be amorphous and composed of TiO nano-objects in prevailing Si/SiOx/SiO2 phase. The film shows a broad red-shifted UV–vis absorption when compared to various TiO2 or TiO2-SiO2 composite materials. In aqueous solutions of Methylene Blue, it enhances the rate of visible light-induced decolorization of this dye. It also reduces Methylene Blue to leuco-Methylene Blue in the dark. These properties of the TiO-incorporated Si/SiOx/SiO2 nanocomposite may stimulate further interest in laser syntheses and applications of a broader class of TiO-containing materials.