Effect of glass substrate and deposition technique on the properties of sol gel TiO2 thin films

Na+ ions have a detrimental effect on the photocatalytic activity of thin sol gel films deposited on soda lime glass due to their diffusion into the film during the calcination process. Given that the content of sodium in glass substrate might be the crucial parameter in determining the activity of a photocatalyst, the aim of the present work was the comparison of the photoinduced properties of a thin TiO2 film prepared on three different glass substrates namely on quartz (Q) glass, borosilicate (BS) glass and soda lime (SL) glass which have different sodium content. The prepared layers were characterised by X-ray diffraction and UV–vis spectroscopy. The diffusion of Na+ from the substrate into the layers was determined by Glow Discharge Atomic Emission Spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activities of the films were assessed using two model pollutant test systems (resazurin/resorufin ink and stearic acid film), which appeared to correlate reasonably well. It was observed that TiO2 layer on SL glass has a brookite crystalline structure while the TiO2 layer on BS and Q glass has an anatase crystalline structure. On the other hand, the photodegradation of the model dye on TiO2 films deposited on Q and BS glass is about an order higher than on SL glass. The low sodium content of BS glass makes it the most suitable substrate for the deposition of photoactive sol gel TiO2 films.

► Thin TiO2 films prepared on glass substrates: quartz (Q), borosilicate (BS) and soda lime (SL) glass.
► TiO2 layer on SL glass has a brookite while those on BS and Q glass have an anatase crystalline structure.
► Photodegradation of the model dye on TiO2 films deposited on Q and BS glass is about an order higher than on SL glass.
► Na+ ions diffusion into the TiO2 film during calcination has a detrimental effect on the photocatalytic activity.