Super-hydrophilic properties of TiO2-DLC nanocomposite films fabricated by the simple electrochemical process

Anatase TiO2 nanoparticles incorporated DLC films were successfully deposited on single crystalline silicon substrates by the electrolysis of TiO2-methanol solution under ambient atmospheric pressure and low temperature. Anatase TiO2 nanoparticles were embedded into amorphous carbon matrix, forming the typical nanocrystalline/amorphous nanocomposite films, confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). TiO2 incorporation effectively increased the sp3-hybridized carbon concentration in the composite film, and further regulated the microstructure and surface morphology. Furthermore, the static contact testing completely displayed, TiO2 incorporation got the composite films super-hydrophilic, which fundamentally improved the wetting ability of DLC film.

► Anatase TiO2 nanoparticles incorporated DLC films were prepared. ► TiO2 incorporation effectively increased sp3-hybridized carbon concentration. ► Such film demonstrated the nanocrystalline/amorphous composite microstructure. ► TiO2-DLC composite film exhibited excellent superhydrophilicity.