Development of Ti-based nanocomposite oxide thin films with CuO and Nb2O5 additions suitable for catalytic applications

We report on the formation of TiO2-based thin films containing cupric oxide and niobium pentoxide additions. The TiO2-based films were prepared by a two-step method: a) the growth of a Ti57Nb26Cu17 nanocrystalline and/ or amorphous thin film by means of magnetron sputtering and b) the oxygen plasma treatment of the as-grown thin film for the formation of oxides nanocomposite. For the analysis of the TiO2-based thin film, we employed Xray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements that demonstrated the formation of oxides on the surface of the thin film, after the oxygen plasma treatment. Photocatalytic Cr6+ reduction was used to assess the activity of the films and their possible use in wastewater treatment. The mixed oxide thin film was compared to commercial titanium dioxide powder (Degussa P25) and a pure TiO2 thin film, yielding superior photocatalytic performances.