Exploring potential Environmental applications of TiO2 Nanoparticles

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles were prepared by sol-gel process using Titanium Tetrachloride (TiCl4) as a precursor, and calcined at different calcination temperatures (400, 600, 800, and 1000) °C. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Ultraviolet spectroscopy (Uv-Vis), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). Self-cleaning properties were studies through two important tests; hydrophilicity by measuring the Water Contact Angle (WCA) and photocatalytic activity by using potassium permanganate (KMnO4) as a model organic pollutant. Secondly, a thin film coating of TiO2 nanoparticles was deposited by spin coating. The antimicrobial activity of TiO2 nanoparticles was assessed quantitatively against two types of bacteria, (Pseudomonas aeruginosa), and (Staphylococcus aurous).