Autori: D. Luca, D. Mardare, F. Iacomi, C.M. Teodorescu

Editorial: Applied Surface Science, 252, p.6122-6126, 2006.

Rezumat:

The hydrophilicity of RF sputtered thin films of: (a) pure TiO2 and (b) TiO2 doped with 0.3% Ce, 0.4% Nb, and 0.4% N (atomic percents) was
investigated macroscopically by measurements of the contact angle between water and film surface. The results are discussed in terms of the
connection of the hydrophilic and photocatalytic properties of the materials with their structure, morphology and optical characteristics. The
280 nm thick films were deposited on optical glass substrates at 250 8C. Film structure and surface morphology were investigated by X-ray
diffraction and atomic force microscopy. The surface roughness was derived from atomic force microscopy and ellipsometric data. The contact
angle of de-ionized water with film surface was monitored during photo-activation and after irradiating with near-UV light. The surface superhidrophilicity
of all the investigated samples decays, when samples are kept in darkness for 48 h after irradiation. The hydrophilic behavior of the
doped TiO2 thin films is discussed in terms of the effects of surface roughness, phase transformations enhanced by doping and charge carrier
recombination.

Cuvinte cheie: Thin films; Doped titanium dioxide; Contact angle; Hydrophilicity; Sessile drop

URL: http://doi:10.1016/j.apsusc.2006.05.011