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Photocatalytic TiO2 thin films and coatings prepared by sol–gel processing: a brief review

  • Review Paper: Sol–gel and hybrid materials with surface modification for applications
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Journal of Sol-Gel Science and Technology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The use of nanostructured coatings is crucial to maintain clean surfaces in public transport, shopping malls, parks, and hospitals. Megacities produce large amounts of pollutants in water and air, making it necessary to develop strategies to prevent diseases caused by accumulation of organic compounds, bacteria, viruses, and other harmful microorganisms on surfaces. This concise review analyzes the fundamental deposition techniques based on the sol–gel process for the preparation of TiO2 films and coatings. In this regard, methodologies such as dip-coating, spin coating, spray pyrolysis, and electrophoretic sol–gel deposition are reviewed in detail. Outstanding properties such as chemical stability, reusability, hydrophilicity, and activation by sunlight or simulated solar radiation position these TiO2 thin films and coatings as a suitable technology for commercial devices that keep public surfaces clean. Environmental and energy applications including water and air purification, gas sensing, production of renewable fuels from water splitting and CO2 photoreduction, as well as antimicrobial features of the sol–gel-based TiO2 coatings can be considered as potential and valuable strategies to control pollution in the actual worldwide societies.

Highlights

  • Sol–gel methodologies are essential techniques for preparation of TiO2 thin films and coatings.

  • Dip/spin coating, spray pyrolysis and electrophoretic sol–gel deposition are reviewed in detail.

  • Physical and chemical properties of TiO2 films are modified according to the sol–gel methodology.

  • Several photocatalytic applications of TiO2 films derived from sol–gel techniques are discussed.

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Acknowledgements

SO thanks CONACYT-México for the project approved by the sectorial research fund for education CB 2017-2018 No. A1-S-9529. VRG appreciates the support from CONACYT through the project Ciencia de Frontera 2019, Project 101703.

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  1. Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, CICFIM-Facultad de Ciencias Físico Matemáticas, Av. Universidad S/N, San Nicolás de los Garza, 66455, Nuevo León, Mexico

    Sergio Obregón

  2. Instituto Potosino de Investigación Científica y Tecnológica (IPICyT), División de Materiales Avanzados, Camino a la Presa San José 2055, Lomas 4ta, Sección, 78216, San Luis Potosí, Mexico

    Vicente Rodríguez-González

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Obregón, S., Rodríguez-González, V. Photocatalytic TiO2 thin films and coatings prepared by sol–gel processing: a brief review. J Sol-Gel Sci Technol 102, 125–141 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10971-021-05628-5

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