Preparation and characterization of photocatalytic TiO2 films on functionalized stainless steel

In this study, TiO 2 was synthesized using controlled hydrolysis of TiCl 4 , followed by dialysis. We produced a transparent emulsion that was later dried into TiO 2 powder. TiO 2 photocatalyst films were deposited applying the technique of pulsed electrophoretic deposition, which decreased bubble formation caused by direct current. The substrates were bare stainless steel (SS) and stainless steel pre-functionalized in a conversion bath. Film surface morphology, crystallinity, elemental composition, and wettability were determined using XRD, SEM–EDAX, and contact angle measurements. The mechanical properties were determined by nano-indentation test. The adhesion was investigated using scratch test. The obtained results showed that the TiO 2 film over a conversion layer had better adhesion and mechanical properties than TiO 2 over bare SS. The optical characteristics of TiO 2 films were tested using PL measurement. The photocatalytic decolourization of the amido black-10B dye was studied over TiO 2 coating under UV and visible light irradiation. TiO 2 film over a conversion layer without heat treatment exhibited the best photocatalytic activity as a result of its crystalline size and three-phase structure as well as the synergetic effect of TiO 2 and Fe 2 O 3 .