Photocatalytic TiO2 films deposited on cenosphere particles by pulse magnetron sputtering method

In the present study, TiO2 films were deposited on the surface of cenosphere particles using the modified magnetron sputtering equipment under different working conditions. The resulting films were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The FE-SEM and AFM results show that the grain sizes and root-mean-square (RMS) roughness values of the TiO2 films increase with the increase in deposition time and film thickness. The XRD results indicate that the film was TiO2 film and sputtering time is an importance condition to influence the films crystal. With the increasing of sputtering time, the crystallization of the TiO2 film was increased. The XPS results show that only TiO2 films existed on the surface of cenosphere particles. In addition, the photocatalytic activities of these films were investigated by degrading methyl orange under UV irradiation. The results suggest that the photocatalytic activity of cenosphere particles with anatase TiO2 films is remarkable and this catalyst can be applicable for the photocatalytic degradation of other organic compounds under UV lights.

► TiO2 films were deposited on the surface of fly ash cenosphere particles using the modified magnetron sputtering equipment under different working conditions.
► With the increasing of sputtering time, the crystallization of the TiO2 film was increased.
► The photocatalytic activity of cenosphere particles with anatase TiO2 films is remarkable.
► The photocatalysts can be recycled easily after the photocatalytic degradation process since its floating behavior upon the surface of water and its good adhesion.