Tuning the structure and photocatalytic activity of TiO2 sol-gel fabricated films by incorporation of nano- and submicron particles

Abstract

TiO2 nanostructured films were fabricated by sol-gel technique with an addition of TiO2 nano- or/and submicron particles into the sol. The highest photocatalytic activity along with high crystallinity predominantly in the anatase phase were achieved by adding both types of the particles. Photocatalytic activity of the films was found to get maximum after calcination at 500 – 550 °C corresponding to the best crystallization of the deposited material both with and without added preliminary formed nano- and submicron particles.