Preparation and characterization of TiO2 sol–gel modified nanocomposite films

• Published in: Journal of sol-gel science and technology 2010-09, Vol.55 (3), p.278-284
• Main Authors: Eshaghi, A., Pakshir, M., Mozaffarinia, R.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Ceramics; Chemistry; Chemistry and Materials Science; Colloidal gels. Colloidal sols; Colloidal state and disperse state; Composites; Contact angle; Crystallites; Emission analysis; Exact sciences and technology; Field emission microscopy; Field emission spectroscopy; General and physical chemistry; Glass; Glass substrates; Hardness tests; Hydrophilicity; Inorganic Chemistry; Materials Science; Nanocomposites; Nanomaterials; Nanoparticles; Nanostructure; Nanotechnology; Natural Materials; Optical and Electronic Materials; Original Paper; Phases; Photoelectrons; Physical and chemical studies. Granulometry. Electrokinetic phenomena; Scanning electron microscopy; Sol-gel processes; Solid-liquid interface; Surface physical chemistry; Titanium dioxide; X-ray diffraction; X-rays
• ISSN: 0928-0707; 1573-4846
• DOI: 10.1007/s10971-010-2246-1

In this study, the role of TiO 2 MT-150A loading in the polymeric sol was investigated for the synthesis of immobilized TiO 2 nanocomposite films on glass substrate using the MT-150A nanoparticles-modified sol–gel method. The nanocomposite film properties were examined using different material characterization techniques including X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, UV–Vis spectrophotometer, Scotch tape test and pencil hardness test. The hydrophilicity of films during UV/Vis irradiation and storage in a dark place were evaluated by a contact angle analyzer. The MT-150A loading had a significant effect on the amount of crystallite phases in the films. However, increasing the MT-150A loading in the sol resulted in an increase in rutile phase content. In addition, increasing MT-150A loading in the sol yielded films with higher hydrophilicity but a concentration of 10–30 g/L MT-150A in the sol was found as the maximum for obtaining films with good adherence on the glass substrate.