Ultrasound assisted preparation of stable water-based nanocrystalline TiO2 suspensions for photocatalytic applications of inkjet-printed films

The use of titania photocatalytic materials in industrial applications is strongly dependent on the stability, nanoparticle size distribution, ease of deposition and cost of the relevant titania precursor solutions or suspensions. The present contribution presents the preparation of inkjet-printed titania films, derived from stable water-based suspensions. The suspensions were synthesized by applying a “top-down” synthetic strategy, namely the ultrasonication of commercially available titania powder (Evonik Aeroxide P25). Crucial parameters, such as suspension stability, energy input requirements, particle size distribution, surface characteristics, compatibility with industrially proven inkjet systems and photocatalytic performance were investigated. The developed synthetic procedure proves environmentally friendly, low cost and most suitable for large scale production of titania thin films, by inkjet printing commercially available ceramic tiles.

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► Investigation of ultrasound assisted deaggregation mechanism of TiO2 suspensions.
► Environmentally friendly method of industrial preparation of titania suspensions.
► Deposition of TiO2 suspensions by inkjet printing on glass and tile.
► Photocatalytic coatings for self-cleaning and self-sterilizing surfaces.