Resumo:
This work presents the development of a low-cost device for automated sol-gel
solution deposition, using spray coating technique for the synthesis of TiO2 thin
films. The as-obtained films were submitted to different thermal treatment with the
purpose of investigating the respective impacts on photocatalytic efficiency. The
films were characterized through the use of X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning
electron microscope (SEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Fourier-Transform
Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and UV-Vis spectroscopy. Later, it was indeed confirmed
that the anatase phase predominates in the temperature range considered
in this research. Better crystallization and larger crystallite size were obtained
with the increase of the temperature, leading to a larger surface roughness, consequently
exhibiting a good impact on photocatalytic activities and degradation
efficiency. Notably, the films calcined at 600 ∘C exhibited the highest efficiency,
achieving near-complete degradation of methylene blue within 4 hours under UV
light. This work emphasizes the effectiveness of the developed spray coating device
in fabricating high-quality TiO2 films and demonstrates the importance of thermal
treatment temperature in improving photocatalytic degradation, contributing to
practical applications for sustainable water treatment.
