Preparation and photocatalytic activity of Cu-deposited TiO2 film with high transparency

Cu-deposited TiO2 films were prepared by photoreduction of Cu(II) in the presence of sodium formate. With the initial Cu(II) concentrations more than 100 mg L−1, induction periods were observed before the transmittance decreased. Scanning electron microscopy indicated that Cu particles of 2.6 ± 0.5 μm were deposited isolatedly with much open space in the induction periods. The films prepared by changing the irradiation time within the induction periods showed a higher photocatalytic activity than a pure TiO2 for the degradation of methylene blue under the reaction condition without purging air.