Atomic layer deposition of TiO2 nanostructures for self-cleaning applications

Nanostructured titanium dioxide (TiO2) porous films and nanotube arrays were prepared by atomic layer deposition (ALD) on porous anodic alumina (PAA) templates. The nanostructures were characterized by FESEM and XRD to investigate the structural and crystallographic characteristics. They were then evaluated as self-cleaning surfaces by comparing their photocatalytic activities and photoinduced hydrophilic property under 365 nm illumination. The nanostructures showed photocatalytic activities and photoinduced hydrophilicity, with nanostructures showing enhanced photoactivity when compared to planar structures. Both photocatalytic and photoinduced hydrophilic properties were strongly affected by the dimension and morphology of the nanostructures. The prepared nanostructures could have potential application as self-cleaning surfaces.