Sol-Gel Synthesis of SnO₂-TiO₂ System - Morphologic, Photocatalytic and Antibacterial Properties

Abstract

SnO2-TiO2 sol-gel coatings on soda-lime silicate glass heat treated at 500 °C and xerogel specimens also heat treated at 500 °C were investigated in this study. The morphology of 1, 3, 5 and 7 mol% SnO2 doped titanium oxide coatings were evaluated with a scanning electron microscope (SEM), an atomic force microscope (AFM) and an UV-VIS light spectrophotometer, whilst xerogel structure was analysed with X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD). The physicochemical properties of the TiO2-SnO2 systems depended mainly on the Sn-to-Ti ratio. The surface morphology of the layer was compact and homogeneous with no visible cracks. Anatase and rutile phase was found in the tested 1, 3, 5, 7 and 10 mol% SnO2 doped and heat treated xerogel specimens. Rutile phase content in the heat treated xerogel was reduced, if Sn4+ content was increased. Photocatalytic activity and antibacterial properties were evaluated as well.