Optimization of the photocatalytic activity of CdO + CdTiO3 coupled oxide thin films obtained by sol–gel technique

In the preparation of CdO + CdTiO3 polycrystalline thin films by the sol–gel method, the optical, structural and crystalline properties, as well as the photocatalytic activity (PA) depends strongly on the sintering temperature (Ts) of the films and of the Ti/Cd ratio used in the precursor solution. In this work, CdO + CdTiO3 thin films were prepared using a Ti/Cd constant ratio in the precursor solution. The films were sintered at six different Ts in the 450–550 °C range, in an open atmosphere. The structure of the films was characterized by X-ray diffraction and the PA was evaluated by the photobleaching of methylene blue in an aqueous solution using a UV–vis spectrometer. The relative intensity of the diffraction peaks associated with CdO and CdTiO3, change with the Ts. The better photocatalytic activities were obtained for the films sintered at 490 °C and 550 °C. When the CdO was removed from the films by chemical etching the PA decreased, showing the importance of coupling both oxides.

► Optimized photocatalytic activity of CdO + CdTiO3 films with the temperature. ► A photocatalytic high rate constant of 0.72 (h)−1 is obtained. ► The importance of the coupling of both oxides on the photocatalysis is shown.