Photochromic and self-cleaning properties of TiO2-AgCl/TiO2-xCu thin film

The TiO2-AgCl/TiO2-xCu thin films were prepared by sol-gel method and dip coated on glass slide. The prepared films were synthesized at the temperature of 400 degrees C for 2 h with a heating rate of 10 degrees C/min. The microstructure and properties of synthesized TiO2-AgCl/TiO2-xCu thin films were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, atomic forced microscope and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. Finally, the hydrophilic property was evaluated by means of contact angle of water droplet on the films. The results show all samples have film thickness in range of 400-500 nm and their surfaces are dense and strong with a large surface area according to the image of atomic forced microscope. It can be noted that TiO2-AgCl/TiO2-5Cu thin films exhibit the highest photochromic (or the lowest capability of light transmittance) at 250-400 nm. The TiO2-AgCl/TiO2-xCu thin films can block UV C, UV B and UV A rays and exhibit self-cleaning effect (small contact angle, 3.9 degrees ) under UV irradiation.