SiO2-TiO2-B2O3-BaO glass-ceramic system with Fe2O3 or CuO additives as photocatalyst

Different amounts of Fe2O3 or CuO have been added over the glass batch composed mainly of SiO2, B2O3, BaO and the photoactive TiO2. The obtained glass samples were subsequently heat treated at the onset of nucleation temperature (490°C) for 1–3h followed by heating at 550°C for the same period in order to obtain nanocrystalline glass-ceramic materials. X-ray diffraction analysis of the obtained materials revealed amorphous structure; however, tiny crystals could be detected under high-resolution electron microscope (HR-TEM). All samples showed absorption in UV with variable absorption in the visible light regions depending on the composition. The prepared glass-ceramic materials displayed photocatalytic efficiency for the degradation of Humic Acid, though Fe doping is much favorable than Cu doping. About 46% removal of humic acid could be achieved when using sample containing 0.5wt.% of Fe2O3 and heat treated at 490°C/1h followed 550°C/1h.