Photocatalytic superhydrophilic TiO 2 coating on glass by electrospinning

Abstract

A photocatalytic, superhydrophilic, transparent, porous TiO 2 film consisting of rice-shaped nano/mesostructures deposited on glass substrates by electrospinning has been developed. Optical properties such as transmittance and absorbance, as well as the superhydrophilicity and self-cleaning properties (photocatalysis) of the deposited TiO 2 film are studied. The water contact angle decreases with increase in the thickness of the TiO 2 resulting in superhydrophilic transparent coatings which may be used for applications in window coatings and photovoltaic modules. The self-cleaning property of the TiO 2 film consisting of rice-shaped nano/mesostructures is compared with that of commercially available Degussa P-25 in the photodegradation of Alizarin red dye and found to be more effective. © 2012 The Royal Society of Chemistry.