Exploring potential Environmental applications of TiO2 Nanoparticles

This study aims at preparing thin layers of (TiO2) with a high photocatalytic activity and antibacterial properties for use as a self- cleaning transparent coatings for windows in outdoors applications. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles were prepared by sol-gel process using Titanium Tetrachloride (TiCl4) as a precursor, and calcined at different calcination temperatures (400, 600, 800, and 1000) degrees C. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Ultraviolet spectroscopy (Uv-Vis), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). Self-cleaning properties were studies through two important tests; hydrophilicity by measuring the Water Contact Angle (WCA) and photocatalytic activity by using potassium permanganate (KMnO4) as a model organic pollutant. Secondly, a thin film coating of TiO2 nanoparticles was deposited by spin coating. The antimicrobial activity of TiO2 nanoparticles was assessed quantitatively against two types of bacteria, (Pseudomonas aeruginosa), and (Staphylococcus aurous). (C) 2017 The Authors. Publised by Elsevier Ltd.