Natural superhydrophilicity and photocatalytic properties of sol-gel derived ZnTiO(3)-ilmenite/r-TiO(2) films.
The additive free heteronucleation and nanocrystallization of ternary Zn(x)Ti(y)O(z) sols and coatings is presented. A proper adjustment of the Zn/Ti ratio in the sol allows the formation of elaborate superhydrophilic cubic spinel-like Zn(2)TiO(4), c-ZnTiO(3) or h-ZnTiO(3)-ilmentite/r-TiO(2)-rutile films. Their morphology and natural superhydrophilicity can be fine-tuned by the inclusion of 5% silica. This doping step delivers high dye intake capacities and water contact angle values below 3°. XPS analysis indicates that Zn and Si enrichment enables greater surface hydroxylation and thus improved water wetting behaviour. The transparent h-ZnTiO(3)-ilmenite/r-TiO(2) nanocomposite coatings deposited on glass and Si-wafers show a remarkable activity in the photomineralization of fatty-acids.
Sciences Chimiques de Rennes-UMR 6226, Université de Rennes 1, 35042 Rennes, France.
Galina
G
Krylova
Arnaud
A
Brioude
Soraya
S
Ababou-Girard
Jan
J
Mrazek
Lubomir
L
Spanhel