L’objectif de ce travail est de développer des matériaux à base de titane sous la forme de monolithe capable d’assurer des réactions photo catalytiques en flux, sous la lumière du soleil ou la lumière visible. Ces matériaux doivent présenter des propriétés physiques et chimiques particulières afin de pallier aux inconvénients des photocatalyseurs classiques qui limitent leur efficacité, à savoir : la stabilité mécanique, la perte de charge, le faible transport de masse, et le controle du temps de contact, la gamme de longueur d’onde d’absorption réduite, le temps de vie de la charge photo-générée. Trois voies de synthèse de monolithes TiO2 ont ainsi été élaborées et optimisées pour atteindre la forme et la dimension adéquate à l’application visée. Les monolithes TiO2 présentant une porosité bimodale macro-mésoporeux interconnectée, avec une stabilité mécanique et chimique élevée, ont été utilisés comme un microréacteur photocatalytique sous flux sous différentes conditions de flux. Les monolithes synthétisés ont montré une absorption plus élevée dans la lumière du visible, ce qui leur permet d’être efficaces dans une plus grande gamme de rayonnements. L’absorption dans le visible des monolithes de TiO2 est attribuée aux espèces carbonées et/ou azotées contenues dans le matériau. Ces matériaux on été testes dans la dégradation de l’orange G en milieu aqueux. Ce suivi a été réalisé à la fois en réacteur en batch et en flux, à la lumière du soleil, sous lumière du visible et sous lumière UV. Tous les tests catalytiques ont conduit à une dégradation totale du polluant avec une cinétique plus rapide que pour le matériau de référence (TiO2 P25) sous rayonnement visible. De plus aucune désactivation n’est détectée après 85 h sous circulation de la solution dans les conditions du flux opératoire. L’autre utilisation envisagée pour ces monolithes est le water-splitting (dissociation de l’eau en hydrogène et oxygène). Pour cela des films autoportés (~ 1 mm d’épaisseur) de compositions similaires aux précédents matériaux ont été synthétisés afin de permettre une activité photo-catalytique de dissociation de l’eau sous lumière visible. Afin d’augmenter la production d’hydrogène, des matériaux associant une couche d’oxyde de cuivre et une couche de TiO2 ont été réalisés par l’optimisation de la méthode précédente. / The aim of this study is to develop titania based materials able to perform photocatalytic reaction in flow condition, under sunlight or visible light, with special physical and chemical properties in order to overcome common photocatalysts’ deficiencies like: mechanical stability, pressure drop, low mass transfer and contact time, reduced wavelength range absorption, photo-generated charge lifetime, and in general all features that limit photocatalysts efficiencies. Three synthesis methods have been developed and optimized to obtain TiO2 monoliths with shape and dimension that can be adapted to any specific application. TiO2 monoliths, displaying bimodal macro-mesoporous interconnected network together with an elevated mechanical and chemical stability, have been used as flow photocatalyst microreactor under different flow rate conditions. Synthesized monoliths displayed enhanced visible light absorption, enabling them to efficiently operate in a vast range of illumination. TiO2 monoliths absorption on the visible range of the spectrum is attributed to carbon-nitrogen containing species within the material. Orange G degradation in aqueous medium have been performed both in batch and flow reactors under sunlight, visible light and UV light. All reactions resulted in complete mineralization of pollutant, with higher degradation rate than TiO2 nanoparticles benchmark material (P-25) when visible light is used. No photocatalyst deactivation have been detected after 85 hours of wastewater treatment in flow conditions. Similar TiO2 material, with a free-standing thick-film shape, have been used to perform photocatalytic water splitting under visible light. Another strategy has been developed to synthesize a TiO2/CuO self-standing film to enhance charge separation giving unexpected results in terms of hydrogen production.

Submitted by MARCIA ROVADOSCHI (marciar@unifra.br) on 2018-08-16T18:59:45Z No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) Dissertacao_JoseFranciscoZavagliaMarques.pdf: 2049396 bytes, checksum: 211f0a7be1dce3b826d2fc80c01e126e (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-16T18:59:45Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) Dissertacao_JoseFranciscoZavagliaMarques.pdf: 2049396 bytes, checksum: 211f0a7be1dce3b826d2fc80c01e126e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014-03-27 / The photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical degradation of Rhodamine 6G dye was studied using TiO2 , TiO2 doped with N , TiO2 thin films prepared by thermal decomposition of polymeric precursors and titanates prepared by hydrothermal synthesis method. The materials synthesized by thermal decomposition of polymeric precursor method were heat-treated at 450 ° C and in the hydrothermal synthesis TiO2 in anatase phase in 40 g / L NaOH at 20 bar was thermally treated at 200 ° C. The obtained compounds were characterized by X- ray diffraction, nitrogen adsorption using the BET method and the morphology was observed by using atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The results demonstrate that the obtaining nanostructures are titanium dioxide in the pure anatase phase and titanates, with specific areas ranging from 45 to 63 m2/g for TiO2 and 120 to 510 m2/g for titanates. Adsorption tests were performed to determine the equilibrium parameters and with the photocatalytic tests the kinetic parameters were determined. The adsorption capacity was correlated with the specific area and TiO2 in the anatase phase exhibits the higher efficiency for dye degradation and in removal of total organic carbon. The galvanostatic method with the TiO2 electrode illuminated with UV radiation shows higher degradation rate and higher removal of total organic carbon. / Neste trabalho foi estudada a degradação fotocatalítica e fotoeletroquímica do corante rodamina 6G utilizando TiO2, TiO2 dopado com N, filmes finos de TiO2 preparados pelo método da decomposição térmica de precursores poliméricos e titanatos preparados por síntese hidrotermal. Os materiais sintetizados pelo método da decomposição térmica de precursores poliméricos foram tratados termicamente a 450 °C e na síntese hidrotermal o TiO2 anatase foi tratado em meio de NaOH 40 g/L a 20 bar e 200 °C. Os compostos obtidos foram caracterizados por difração de raios-X, adsorção de nitrogênio pelo método BET e a morfologia foi observada por microscopia de força atômica e microscopia eletrônica de varredura. Os resultados comprovam a obtenção de nanoestruturas de dióxido de titânio na fase anatase pura e titanatos, com áreas específicas variando entre 45 a 63 m2/g para o TiO2 e 120 a 510 m2/g para os titanatos. Foram realizados testes de adsorção com a determinação dos parâmetros de equilíbrio e testes fotocatalíticos com a determinação dos parâmetros cinéticos. A capacidade de adsorção esta correlacionada com a área específica e TiO2 na fase anatase puro apresentou maior eficiência na degradação do corante e na remoção do carbono orgânico total. O processo galvanostático com o eletrodo de TiO2 iluminado com radiação UV mostrou maior velocidade de degradação do corante e maior remoção do carbono orgânico total.

Ce travail concerne le développement de nanoparticules de TiO2 et de SiO2 sensibilisées aux photosensibilisateurs pour application dans la photocatalyse et la thérapie photodynamique (PDT). Les NP ont été soit recouverts d'une coquille de polysiloxane, soit modifiés par l'aminopropyltriéthoxysilane (APTES) seul. Les PSs de tétraphényl monocarboxylphosphine (P1-COOH) ou de chlorine e6 (Ce6) ont été couplés aux NP par liaison amide. En photocatalyse, les NP hybrides modifiées par l'APTES, en particulier TiO2-APTES-Ce6, présentent une activité photocatalytique supérieure vis-à-vis de la dégradation du bleu de méthylène et de l’orange de méthyle sur les systèmes cœur-coquille sous lumière solaire et visible. Pour la PDT, des tests in vitro ont été désignés sur la lignée cellulaire de glioblastome U87 à différentes concentrations de NP éclairées à 652 nm. TiO2-APTES-Ce6 a révélé une bonne phototoxicité car la viabilité cellulaire a diminué de 89% après illumination. L'incorporation cellulaire et la localisation de ces NP et de leurs analogues de la silice ont été explorées. Les ROS impliqués dans la photocatalyse et la PDT ont été étudiés / This work addresses the development of dye-sensitized TiO2 and SiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) for application in photocatalysis and photodynamic therapy (PDT). The NPs were either coated with a polysiloxane shell or modified by aminopropyl triethoxysilane (APTES) alone. Monocarboxylic tetraphenyl porphyrin (P1-COOH) or chlorin e6 (Ce6) PSs were coupled to the NPs by amide bond. In photocatalysis, The APTES-modified sensitized NPs, particularly TiO2-APTES-Ce6, exhibit a superior activity towards the degradation of methylene blue and methyl orange over the core-shell systems under solar and visible light. For PDT, in vitro tests were conducted on the glioblastoma cell line U87 at different NPs’ concentrations illuminated at 652 nm. TiO2-APTES-Ce6 revealed a good phototoxicity as the cell viability decreased by 89% after illumination. The cellular uptake and localization of those NPs and their silica analogues were explored. The ROS involved in photocatalysis and PDT were investigated

Cette thèse porte sur l’élaboration et l’étude des performances de membranes d’ultrafiltration PVDF-TiO2 possédant des propriétés anti-colmatantes et photo-induites. La membrane est obtenue par application de la méthode de séparation de phases induite par un non-solvant sur un collodion de polyfuorure de vinylidène au sein duquel ont été incorporées des nanoparticules de TiO2. Il est montré : i) que la presence des nanoparticules de TiO2 les propriétés membranaires, et notamment le flux de perméat, par rapport à la membrane PVDF ; ii) que l’augmentation de la température de préparation de la membrane permettait de modifier la structure membranaire, en passant d’une morphologie constituée principalement de macrovides (dite en “doigts de gants”) à des températures basses à une morphologie spongieuse, contenant des pores de plus petite taille, à température élevée. Au-delà de la structure membranaire, des propriétés telles que la perméabilité, la porosité, la résistance mécanique, la cristallinité et les propriétés thermiques sont également influences par les changements de température de formation. Lorsque les membranes PVDF-TiO2 sont mises en oeuvre en mode photo-filtration (c.-à-d. filtration avec irradiation ultraviolette (UV) continue sur la membrane), le flux à l’eau pure de la membrane PVDF-TiO2 est encore augmenté, du fait du phénomène d’hydrophilicité photo-induite des nanoparticules de TiO2. Des premières estimations suggèrent que la photo-filtration par les membranes PVDF-TiO2 serait une économiquement rentable, car le gain en termes de filtration et qualité d’eau l’emporterait sur le cout énergétique induit par l’irradiation UV. En outre, l’efficacité de la photo-filtration a été évaluée avec des solutions d’alimentation synthétiques contenant des composés inorganiques et organiques représentatifs des eaux de surface. Il a été montré que si la plupart des ions inorganiques communément rencontrés dans l’eau potable n’ont aucun effet sur l’efficacité de la photo-filtration, la coexistence de Cu2+ et HCO3- dans l’eau d’alimentation entraîne un colmatage inorganique sévère qui inhibe le phénomène hydrophilicité photoinduite. En outre, la membrane PVDF-TiO2 présente également des flux plus élevés et une activité photocatalytique lors de la photo-filtration de solutions contenant des matières colmatantes organiques comme les acides humiques ou l’alginate de sodium. En conclusion, la membrane composite PVDF-TiO2 a démontré des propriétés et des performances significativement améliorées par rapport à la membrane PVDF, a fortioti lorsqu’elle est mise en oeuvre dans un système de photo-filtration sous irradiation UV. Ainsi, ce sont des matériaux prometteurs pour des applications membranaires en traitement de l’eau. / This thesis deals with the elaboration and performance of a specific type of ultrafiltration membrane with anti-fouling and photo-induced properties, the PVDF-TiO2 composite membrane. The membrane was fabricated via the nonsolvent-induced phase separation method by incorporating titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles into the polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) polymer matrix. The TiO2 nanoparticles played a significant role in facilitating the membrane formation process and improving the composite membrane properties compared to the neat PVDF membrane. It was demonstrated that, by changing the membrane preparation temperature, the membrane structure could be affected dramatically, notably the morphological dominance of finger-like macrovoids at lower temperatures and their diminution in both size and number when temperature increased. Other membrane properties also saw systematic transitions with changes in formation temperature, as characterized by permeability, porosity, mechanical strength, crystallinity, and thermal properties. In terms of performance, the PVDF-TiO2 membrane exhibited superior permeate flux compared to the neat PVDF membrane. More importantly, when being operated in photo-filtration mode (i.e. filtration with continuous ultraviolet (UV) irradiation on the membrane), the pure water flux of PVDF-TiO2 membrane could be further increased, thanks to the enhanced hydrophilicity of the membrane, which comes from the photo-induced hydrophilicity phenomenon of TiO2. Preliminary estimations suggest that photo-filtration is a cost-effective method, as the benefit from enhanced water output outweighs the extra energy demand for UV irradiation. Furthermore, the efficiency of photo-filtration was evaluated with synthetic feed solutions containing inorganic and organic contents representative in surface water. It was identified that, while most of the common inorganic ions in drinking water had no effects on photo-filtration efficiency, the coexistence of Cu2+ and HCO3- in the feed led to severe inorganic fouling and inhibited the photo-induced hydrophilicity phenomenon. Besides, the PVDF-TiO2 membrane also showed its stronger flux performance and photocatalytic activity during photo-filtration of solutions containing organic foulants like humic acids or sodium alginate. In conclusion, the PVDF-TiO2 composite membrane exhibited much improved properties and performance compared to the neat PVDF membrane, and even stronger performance when operated in photo-filtration mode. Thus, it is a promising candidate to be used in membrane-based applications for water treatment.

Ingeniero Civil Químico / El presente trabajo de Memoria de Título tiene como objetivo el estudio de la actividad fotocatalítica de nanocompositos de TiO2-quitosano en el rango de luz visible. De manera de cumplir el objetivo de este trabajo, se plantearon como objetivos específicos la síntesis y caracterización de tres compositos en polvo de TiO2 y quitosano con 25, 50 y 75% en peso de contenido de titania, QT-25, QT-50 y QT-75, respectivamente, para posteriormente medir y comparar su actividad fotocatalítica tanto en el rango UV como en el rango visible de la luz para la descomposición de anaranjado de metilo (AM), que fue utilizado como contaminante modelo de efluentes de plantas textiles. Finalmente, se analizaron los resultados obtenidos de forma de entender el efecto que tiene el quitosano sobre el TiO2. Se efectuaron estudios de difracción de rayos X (DRX), espectroscopía UV-vis, espectroscopía IR, fotoluminiscencia y superficie BET como métodos de caracterización de los compositos. Los resultados de las caracterizaciones muestran que a medida que aumenta el contenido de polímero en los compositos, cambia la estructura cristalina por la formación de aglomeraciones, mientras que la cristalinidad del TiO2 no se ve afectada por la adición de quitosano. La espectroscopía UV-vis arrojó que el quitosano logra disminuir el band gap del TiO2 generando un corrimiento al rojo. Para la fotocatálisis en rango UV se observó que el TiO2 degradó el AM en un 64,77%, siendo esta la mayor eficiencia en esta prueba. En el rango visible, la mayor eficiencia la alcanzó el composito QT-75, con un 63,55% de degradación del AM, mientras que los compositos QT-50 y QT-25 lo degradaron en un 48,08 y 42,08%, respectivamente. El análisis cinético de primer orden arroja que existen dos etapas diferenciadas durante la reacción de fotodegradación del AM, primero con alta velocidad de reacción para después disminuir, probablemente debido a fenómenos de transferencia de masa sumado al descenso en la concentración del tinte lo que dificulta que se mantenga una alta velocidad de degradación a lo largo de la prueba. A modo de conclusión, el estudio permite confirmar que el quitosano es capaz de aumentar la actividad fotocatalítica del TiO2 en el rango visible de la luz, al disminuir su band gap y aportar con la presencia de los grupos amino e hidroxilo para la formación de radicales oxidantes O2●-, OH●. De manera de proyectar el trabajo es posible la exploración de nuevas aplicaciones más allá del tratamiento de agua como la producción de hidrógeno o el mejoramiento del sistema de tratamiento ya existente mediante adición de iones metálicos al composito de mejor desempeño.

O objetivo desta Tese é preparar e caracterizar nanopartículas de TiO2 e SiO2@ TiO2 e obter filmes finos baseados nesses materiais nanoestruturados usando a metodologia de preparação de filmes conhecida como layer-by-layer (LbL). Primeiramente, TiO2 amorfo sintetizado a partir de sulfato de titanila (TiOSO4) foi cristalizado por método de tratamento hidrotérmico brando (HTT). O efeito da temperatura e tempo de tratamento hidrotérmico na cristalinidade, tamanho de partícula e fotoatividade de TiO2 foi estudado. A análise de MET, DRX e área de superfície confirmou que o HTT a temperatura tão baixa quanto 105°C pode ser utilizada para obter as nanopartículas de anatase com boa cristalinidade (~95%), pequeno tamanho de cristalito (<10 nm), alta área de superfície (>200 m2.g-1) e excelente seletividade da fase. Em uma segunda etapa do projeto, o nanocatalisador de TiO2 foi depositado, via rota sol-gel, na superfície de NPs de sílica Stöber (diâmetro 200 nm), formando um sistema core@shell (SiO2@ TiO2). O objetivo desse processo foi de se obter melhor estabilidade térmica (1000°C), boa dispersão e menor aglomeração do nanocatalisador (TiO2). As análises de microscopia eletrônica (MEV e MET) confirmaram a formação de uma camada porosa (espessura 10-30 nm) de TiO2 formadas por cristalitos com cerca de 5 nm. Um estudo das propriedades ópticas das amostras SiO2@ TiO2 mostrou que o deslocamento no onset de absorção é função do espalhamento Rayleigh. Finalmente, desenvolveu-se um novo e versátil procedimento LbL para a preparação de filmes multicamadas, porosos e uniformes de TiO2 empregando fosfato de celulose (CP) como polieletrólito eficiente e não convencional. A formação dos filmes (CP/ TiO2 e CP/ TiO2/HPW) foi monitorada por espectroscopia UV/Vis e a interação entre os componentes dos filmes (CP, TiO2 e HPW) foi estudada pelas técnicas MET, XPS e FTIR. Estes filmes LbL apresentaram boa fotoatividade para degradação de ácido esteárico, cristal violeta e azul de metileno sobre irradiação UV. Os filmes CP/HPW formados em celulose bacteriana apresentaram boa resposta fotocrômica, que é aumentada pela presença do TiO2 devido a uma transferência eletrônica interfacial do TiO2 para o HPW. A interface entre nanopartículas de titânia e nanopartículas de ácido fosfotungstico foi pela primeira vez caracterizada por Microscopia Eletrônica de Transmissão como sendo não-cristalina. Este método simples e ambientalmente amigável pode ser utilizado para formar recobrimentos em uma grande variedade de superfícies com filmes fotoativos de TiO2 e TiO2/HPW. / The aim of the present investigation was to prepare and characterize TiO2 and core@shell (SiO2@TiO2) nanoparticles (CSNs) and form layer-by-layer (LbL) films with these nanoparticles (NPs) on various substrates. Firstly, amorphous TiO2 were prepared from oxotitanium (IV) sulfate (TiOSO4) and crystallized by low-temperature hydrothermal treatment (HTT). The effect of hydrothermal temperature and treatment time on crystallinity, particle size and photoactivity of TiO2 was studied. The TEM, XRD and BET surface area analysis confirmed that HTT at temperature as low as 105°C can be used to obtain phase-pure anatase nanoparticles with good crystallinity (~95%), small crystallite size (<10 nm), high surface area (>200 m2.g-1) and excellent phase selectivity. Secondly, TiO2 nanocatalyst was directly deposited, via sol-gel route, on the surface of Stöber silica NPs of around 200 nm in a core@shell (SiO2@ TiO2) configuration to obtain better thermal stability, good dispersion and less agglomeration of the nanocatalyst. SEM and TEM observation confirmed the formation of a porous anatase shell of crystalline TiO2 consisting of around 5-8 nm small crystallites, in accordance with XRD results. The shell thickness was varied between 10-30 nm by varying the quantity of precursor titanium (IV) isopropoxide (TiP). Compared to the uncoated silica, the BET surface area also increased by 147-365% depending on the amount of TiP added during synthesis step. The effect of shell morphology and TiO2 loading on surface area and photoactivity has been studied and compared among different CSNs. Finally, a new and versatile LbL procedure for the preparation of porous and highly dispersed multilayer films of TiO2 and phosphotungstic acid (HPW) on different substrates was developed using Cellulose Phosphate (CP) as an efficient and non-conventional binder. The films formation was monitored by UV/Vis spectroscopy and the interaction between the films components (CP, TiO2 and HPW) was studied by HRTEM, XPS and FTIR techniques. These CP/ TiO2 and CP/ TiO2/HPW LbL films showed good photoactivity against stearic acid (SA), crystal violet (CV) and methylene blue (MB) under UV irradiation. The CP/HPW films formed on bacterial cellulose showed good photochromic response, which is enhanced in presence of TiO2 due to an interfacial electron transfer from TiO2 to HPW. This simple and environmentally safe method can be used to form coatings on a variety of surfaces with photoactive TiO2 and TiO2/HPW films.

Submitted by DOUGLAS HENRIQUE MARCELINO DE AZEVEDO null (fums_draculea@hotmail.com) on 2017-02-17T01:42:07Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertação Mestrado Douglas Azevedo.pdf: 6219487 bytes, checksum: 5015fcd83ed83657a80e79409bb2bdd3 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by LUIZA DE MENEZES ROMANETTO (luizamenezes@reitoria.unesp.br) on 2017-02-21T19:57:09Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 azevedo_dhm_me_ilha.pdf: 6219487 bytes, checksum: 5015fcd83ed83657a80e79409bb2bdd3 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-02-21T19:57:09Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 azevedo_dhm_me_ilha.pdf: 6219487 bytes, checksum: 5015fcd83ed83657a80e79409bb2bdd3 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-12-20 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / Com a constante busca o avanço tecnológico para satisfazer as necessidades da nossa sociedade, verifica-se uma preocupação da sociedade com menor degradação do meio ambiente. Em função disso, busca-se um melhor aproveitamento dos recursos naturais, o que, por sua vez, requer tecnologia apropriada. Na indústria optoeletrônica, a utilização de materiais com propriedades ópticas e condutoras cresce continuamente, porém esta tecnologia está fortemente baseada em óxido de índio (In2O3), que é um material bastante caro, já que é naturalmente escasso. Apresente pesquisa pretende contribuir com o conhecimento, em nível microscópio, das propriedades que governam a condutividade de óxidos de chumbo e óxidos de titânio dopados visando sua utilização como óxido transparente condutor, já que titânio e chumbo são mais baratos que o índio. Estudou-se propriedades eletrônicas de filmes finos de dióxido de titânio (TiO2) e dióxido de chumbo (PbO2) em sua principal fase cristalográfica, a fase rutila, em função da superfície exposta, Empregou-se cálculos ab initio dentro da teoria do funcional de densidade (DFT) implementada no programa CRYSTAL14. Procurou-se entender os fatores responsáveis pela condutividade desses materiais e formular propostas que contribuam para a transformação desses materiais em óxidos condutores transparentes. / There is a constant search for technological development to satisfy the need of our society, on the other hand there is a growing concern with environmental conservation. However, the better use of natural sources requires appropriate technology for that.In the optoelectronic industry, the use of materials with optical and conductive properties is continuously increasing, but this technology is strongly based on indium oxide (In2O3), which is a very expensive material, since it is naturally scarce. The present research aims to contribute to the knowledge of the properties that govern the conductivity of lead and titanium oxides at the microscopic level in order to enable its use as a transparent oxide conductor. Electronic properties of thin films of titanium dioxide (TiO2) and lead dioxide (PbO2) in the main crystallographic phase (the rutile phase), depending on the exposed surface was investigated. Ab initio calculations with density functional theory (DFT) implemented in the CRYSTAL14 program have been performed. Factors responsible for the conductivity of these materials have been explored aiming to contribute to the transformation of these materials in transparent conductive oxides.

Polymer nanocomposites are already a part of many important of worldwide businesses: automotive (molded part in cars), electronics and electrical engineering, household products, packaging industry, aircraft interiors, appliance components, security equipments. Among many nanocomposite precursors, TiO₂ nanopowder is increasingly being investigated due to its special properties. <br /><br /> The objective of this work is to synthesize and characterize polymer-TiO₂ hybrid nanocomposites. When dispersed at the nanoscale level TiO₂ could act as visually transparent UV filters and high-thermomechanical-performance materials. The synthesis strategy involved two steps. Firstly, aggregated TiO₂, as received, was modified by 3-trimethoxysilyl propylmethacrylate aimed at altering its surface characteristics. The effect of modifier concentration on changing the physicochemical properties of TiO₂ surface was evaluated. Size distribution of unmodified and modified TiO₂ nanopowders was measured using a particle size analyzer. The qualitative and quantitative grafting of vinyl groups on TiO₂ surface was investigated with Fourier transform-infrared (FTIR) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H-NMR) spectroscopy. Secondly, styrene monomer was then added to carry out copolymerization with vinyl groups on the modified TiO₂ by free radical initiator 2,2-azobis isobutyronitrile (AIBN) in bulk medium. FTIR spectra confirmed the formation of nanocomposites with polystyrene chains chemically linked to the surface of TiO₂ nanopowders. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) indicated that the resulting nanocomposites displayed higher thermal stability and maintained similar glass transition temperatures (T_g) compared with pure PS. Ultraviolet ?visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis) investigated that these nanocomposites have improved optical properties potentially acting as visually transparent UV filters. Such incremented properties were attributed to the nancoscale dispersion (20-50nm size) of TiO₂ into polystyrene matrix, which morphology was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Polymer nanocomposites are already a part of many important of worldwide businesses: automotive (molded part in cars), electronics and electrical engineering, household products, packaging industry, aircraft interiors, appliance components, security equipments. Among many nanocomposite precursors, TiO₂ nanopowder is increasingly being investigated due to its special properties. <br /><br /> The objective of this work is to synthesize and characterize polymer-TiO₂ hybrid nanocomposites. When dispersed at the nanoscale level TiO₂ could act as visually transparent UV filters and high-thermomechanical-performance materials. The synthesis strategy involved two steps. Firstly, aggregated TiO₂, as received, was modified by 3-trimethoxysilyl propylmethacrylate aimed at altering its surface characteristics. The effect of modifier concentration on changing the physicochemical properties of TiO₂ surface was evaluated. Size distribution of unmodified and modified TiO₂ nanopowders was measured using a particle size analyzer. The qualitative and quantitative grafting of vinyl groups on TiO₂ surface was investigated with Fourier transform-infrared (FTIR) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H-NMR) spectroscopy. Secondly, styrene monomer was then added to carry out copolymerization with vinyl groups on the modified TiO₂ by free radical initiator 2,2-azobis isobutyronitrile (AIBN) in bulk medium. FTIR spectra confirmed the formation of nanocomposites with polystyrene chains chemically linked to the surface of TiO₂ nanopowders. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) indicated that the resulting nanocomposites displayed higher thermal stability and maintained similar glass transition temperatures (T_g) compared with pure PS. Ultraviolet ?visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis) investigated that these nanocomposites have improved optical properties potentially acting as visually transparent UV filters. Such incremented properties were attributed to the nancoscale dispersion (20-50nm size) of TiO₂ into polystyrene matrix, which morphology was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

TiO2 is a fascinating material proving its usefulness in a wide range of applications. In photocatalytic and gas sensitization applications, it has been utilized as a stable semiconductor for the organic matter of waste water cleaning and impetus on environmental consciousness the need for highly efficient combustion engines, controlled industrial processes and monitoring the hazardous gas level in the environment. Nanocrystalline TiO2 modified with Nb incorporation has been produced by LPD technique that deposited at 40 oC with (NH4)2TiF6 for 0.2 M, and 0.6 M for boric acid and a few mount of Nb solution. The deposition rate can be controlled perfectly about 40-50 nm/h. The addition of Nb stabilizes the anatase phase and retards the grain growth during high temperature annealing. XRD and RAMAN spectra of undoped and Nb doped samples show that the undoped one has converted to rutile at 900 oC, meanwhile the doped one remains anatase phase. Nanocrystalline films stabilize at 800 oC with grain size of about 7 nm have successfully been synthesized by the additives of Nb, which appear to be an adequate dopant to improve the photocatalytic and gas sensor performances. The ability of niobium introduction is of retarding the anatase to rutile transformation and hindering its grain growth.