Status : Verified
| Personal Name | Laika Jayne C. Montefalcon |
|---|---|
| Resource Title | Fabrication of Silver-Decorated Titanium Dioxide Nanocolumnar Thin Films as Visible Light-Active Photocatalysts |
| Date Issued | 30 January 2024 |
| Abstract | Titanium dioxide (TiO2) has been extensively researched for diverse applications, especially in photocatalysis, owing to its stability, non-toxicity, and strong photocatalytic capabilities. Thin films of TiO2, produced by sputter deposition, are mechanically robust and effective for wastewater treatment. However, their dense nature limits surface accessibility, which is crucial for efficient photocatalysis. Oblique angle deposition (OAD) provides a simple method for creating highly porous nanostructured columnar films, enhancing surface area accessibility. TiO2 exhibits activity in the ultraviolet range due to its large band gap. Incorporating noble metals, such as silver (Ag), has shown promise in enhancing TiO2 activity, shifting it towards visible light. In this study, Ag-decorated TiO2 nanocolumnar films (Ag-TiO2 NCFs) were synthesized using a custom-built magnetron sputter deposition setup, using OAD with substrates positioned at different angles (0°, 35°, 70°) relative to the target. Sputtering was carried out with a gas ratio of 90:10 Argon (Ar): oxygen (O2) at 2 Pa and 110 W DC power, followed by annealing at 450°C for 2 hours to achieve the desired crystallinity. The films were then coupled with metallic Ag nanoparticles through wet impregnation in silver nitrate (AgNO3) solution and subsequent plasma reduction utilizing a modified version of the same plasma system. Examining the substrate angles through scanning electron microscopy revealed a greater degree of porosity in the structure as the substrate angles increased. Analysis of confocal laser scanning microscopy images indicated an elevation in surface roughness with substrate tilting. This increase in porosity and surface roughness positively influenced the photocatalytic activity of TiO2 NCFs by creating additional sites for chemical interactions. Energy-dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the anatase phase of TiO2 post-annealing. Plasma treatment revealed |
| Degree Course | MS Materials Science and Engineering |
| Language | English |
| Keyword | titanium dioxide; photocatalysis; oblique angle deposition; nanostructured films; surface plasmon resonance |
| Material Type | Thesis/Dissertation |
Preliminary Pages
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