Titanium dioxide coatings were deposited by utilizing atmospheric plasma-spraying system. The agglomerated P25/20 nano-powder and different spraying parameters (e.g., Argon flow rate and spray distance) were used to determine their influences on the microstructure, crystalline structure, photo-absorption, and photo-catalytic performance of the coatings. The microstructure and phases of as-sprayed TiO 2 coatings were characterized by scanning electron microscope SEM and X-ray diffraction, respectively. Surface characteristics were investigated by Fourier Transform Infrared. Photo-catalytic efficiency of the elaborated samples was also determined in an environmental test chamber set-up and evaluated from the conversion rate of ethanol. The photo-absorption was determined by UV–Vis spectrophotometer. The as-sprayed TiO2 coating was photo-catalytically reactive for the degradation of ethanol. The photo-catalytic activity was influenced by spray conditions. It is found that the photo-catalytic activity is significantly influenced by anatase content, surface area, and surface state. The results showed that the argon flow rate has an influence on the microstructure, anatase content, and photo-catalytic activity of the TiO 2 coatings.
Photo-catalytic activity of BiVO4 thin-film electrodes for solar-driven water splitting
