Silver loaded WO3 − x/TiO2 composite multifunctional thin films

Multifunctional WO3 − x–TiO2 composite thin films have been prepared by sol–gel synthesis and shown to be good visible light photocatalysts whilst retaining a desirable underlying blue colouration. The WO3 − x–TiO2 composite thin films were further enhanced using silver nanoparticles synthesised in-situ on the surface from the photo-degradation of silver nitrate solution. Thin films were characterised using X-ray diffraction, Raman, Scanning electron microscopy and UV–visible spectroscopy and shown to photo degrade stearic acid, using white light λ = 420–800 nm.

► WO3 − X TiO2 composite thin films were synthesised by sol–gel methods.
► Blue tinted glass is desirable for the value added glass industry.
► Silver nanoparticle island formation enhances the activity of the films.
► Blue tinted “value added” coated glass is now possible.