US EPA

4191131 

Journal Article 

One step room temperature photodeposition of Cu/TiO2 composite films and its conversion to CuO/TiO2 

Morrison, E; Gutierrez-Tauste, D; Domingo, C; Vigil, E; Ayllon, JA 

2009 

1 

Thin Solid Films
ISSN: 0040-6090
EISSN: 1879-2731 

517 

19 

5621-5624 

10.1016/j.tsf.2009.02.024 

WOS:000267775500005 

Cu/TiO2 composite films were prepared at low temperature on glass substrates by a photodeposition method. Films were deposited by irradiating the substrate while in contact with an aqueous TiO2 suspension containing copper(II) nitrate and ethanol. Cu/TiO2 composite films of 500 nm in thickness were deposited at room temperature after a short irradiation time (15 min) with a 125 W mercury vapour lamp. According to scanning electron microscopy observations, the obtained films were homogeneous and porous. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis revealed a 3:1 Cu:Ti atomic ratio. Grazing angle X-ray diffraction analysis showed that the films contained Cu and TiO2 as major components and Cu2O as a minor component. Heat treatment at 400 degrees C in air for a period of 3 h transformed the initial material into a CuO/TiO2 Composite, improved the adhesion to the substrate and favoured a more regular distribution of copper oxide according to backscattering micrographs. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. 

Deposition process; Photocatalysis; Titanium dioxide; Copper; Composites