UV / visible sol gel W–TiO2 photocatalytic coatings for interior building surfaces.

This article describes the synthesis of tungsten doped (W–TiO 2) nanoparticles and their incorporation into a coating to improve the air quality inside buildings. W–TiO 2 was prepared using a sol-gel synthesis route incorporating 1%, 2.5% and 3% tungsten in TiO 2. Coatings containing the nanoparticles were produced using a water/alcohol liquid phase containing a polyurethane binder and applied to the surface of medium density fibreboard (MDF). Photocatalytic activity of unbound nanoparticles was studied using methylene blue degradation to evaluate liquid/solid interface reactions and NO x degradation to study gas/solid interfacial reactions. The coatings containing the nanoparticles were applied onto the surface of MDF and evaluated using Ink Intelligent indicator dyes. In the tests photocatalytic activity under visible light of all W–TiO 2 concentrations exhibited a higher activity compared to the commercially available Degussa P25. This paper has demonstrated for the first time that polyurethane W–TiO 2 coatings can be effectively applied to MDF and exhibit activity in visible light. • Sol gel synthesis of W–TiO 2 nanoparticles doped with 1%, 2.5% and 3% tungsten. 81. • Evaluation of W–TiO 2 in liquid phase using methylene blue and gas phase using NOx. 85. • Enhanced photocatalytic performance of W–TiO 2 in the visible light spectrum. 79. • Development of polyurethane-based coating for medium density fiber board. 83. • Evaluation of polyurethane W–TiO 2 coating using ink intelligent dyes. 72. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]