SOL GEL SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF

PHOTOCATALYTIC TiO2

The sol-gel process has been recently applied for the production of titanium dioxide in the form of
nanocrystalline anatase [1], promising material for the photocatalytic degradation of environmental
pollutants, being highly efficient, non-toxic and stable under irradiation [2]. In this work different
water based sols of anatase, obtained in acidic or basic environment were synthesized and deposited
on different building materials: artificial, as ceramic tiles and natural, as carbonatic stones. The aim
was to give self-cleaning properties to the surfaces. The harmlessness of the coatings was assessed
by capillary absorption tests and colorimetric measurements. In order to enhance the activity of
titanium dioxide in the visible region, doping of anatase with rare earth ions was also tested [3].
Diffuse reflectance UV-Visible spectra were used to estimate the band-gaps of the synthesized
catalysts. The powders were analysed by Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD): both
techniques evidenced mainly TiO2 anatase nanocrystals in the 5-10 nm range, with minor amounts
of brookite. Methyl-orange (MeO) and methylene-blue (MB) were used as model contaminants to
investigate the degradation activity under UV irradiation of the different sols. Colorimetric
measurements were conducted to evaluate the photocatalytic activity of the coatings on the building
materials in the degradation of methylene-blue, methyl-orange and rhodamine B (RB) stains under
the irradiation of a sunlight lamp. The results showed good photodegradation activity and
satisfactory compatibility between the coatings and the stone or ceramic surfaces.

[1] A. Licciulli, A. Calia, M. Lettieri, D. Diso, M. Masieri, S. Franza, R. Amadelli and G. Casarano,
Journal of Sol-gel Science and Technology, 60, 437 (2011).
[2] L. Bergamonti, I. Alfieri, A. Lorenzi, A. Montenero, G. Predieri, G. Barone, P. Mazzoleni, S.
Pasquale and P.P. Lottici, Applied Surface Science 282, 155 (2013).
[3] S. Rehman, R. Ullah, A.M. Butt and N.D. Gohar, Journal of Hazardous Materials, 170, 560
(2009).