Effect of poly(ethylene glycol) additives on the photocatalytic activity of TiO2 films prepared by sol–gel processing and low temperature treatments

Photocatalytic activity of titania with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) in the sample films made under different operating conditions was investigated by kinetic analysis of photodegradation tests. The sample films, composed of PEG and nano-TiO2 particles, were prepared by sol–gel processing and then treated thermally under an atmosphere of wet and dry air at different temperatures. After the thermal treatment, photocatalytic activities of the films were evaluated by a UV-exposure test. Results showed that the photoactivity was enhanced by processing in an atmosphere of wet air at 100 °C. Moreover, the presence of poly(ethylene glycol), and the change in surface morphology in the sample films were verified to be the most influential and significant factors to affect the photoactivitic activity.