THE INFLUENCE OF PEG/PPG AND OF THE ANNEALING TEMPERATURE ON TiO2-BASED LAYERS PROPERTIES

The TiO2-based layers were prepared by deposition of the colloidal suspensions on conductive ITO glass and treated one hour at two different temperatures (500 degrees C and 600 degrees C). The TiO2 colloidal suspensions were prepared in the presence of PEG (polyethylene glycol) and PPG (polyproplylene glycol). The effect of the PEG or PPG and the heating temperature on the structural and morphological properties of the TiO2 photocatalytic layers has been studied by FT/IR spectroscopy, FT/IR microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The optoelectronic properties of the above mentioned photocatalytic layers have been investigated using UV-VIS absorption spectroscopy and spectrofluorimetry. The results of these experiments allowed the selection of PEG as a reasonable additive that determines a better dispersion and adhesion of TiO2 particles on ITO substrates. Also, the heating temperature of TiO2 layers at 500 degrees C enhanced their photocatalytic activity due to optimum anatase/rutile ratio in TiO2 powders.