Fabrication of micropillar TiO2 photocatalyst arrays using nanoparticle-microprinting method

• A novel microstructure-fabrication method using nanoparticles was proposed.
• Micropillar TiO2 photocatalyst array was fabricated using a silicone rubber stamp.
• Sintering treatment temperature was determined by examining TiO2 crystal phase.
• The thickness of bottom layer was evaluated by optical transmittance measurement.
• Future application prospect as a photocatalyst layer was presented.

Photocatalysts have been increasingly applied in many fields, and it is desirable to enhance their self-cleaning functions against fouling matter deposited on the photocatalyst layer. Herein, we propose the nanoparticle-microprinting method to fabricate a microstructured photocatalyst layer using a TiO2 nanoparticle suspension and silicone rubber stamp. The sintering of TiO2 nanoparticles was performed at 600°C without causing the crystal phase to change from anatase to rutile. We demonstrated the fabrication process by producing a micropillar TiO2 array layer. Since the silicone rubber stamp is flexible, the proposed technique is expected to be applicable for the fabrication of microstructures on curved surfaces.

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