Preparation and characterization of photocatalytic TiO films on functionalized stainless steel.

In this study, TiO was synthesized using controlled hydrolysis of TiCl, followed by dialysis. We produced a transparent emulsion that was later dried into TiO powder. TiO 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 film over a conversion layer had better adhesion and mechanical properties than TiO over bare SS. The optical characteristics of TiO films were tested using PL measurement. The photocatalytic decolourization of the amido black-10B dye was studied over TiO coating under UV and visible light irradiation. TiO 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 and FeO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]