Enhanced Photocatalytic Activities of Multi-Modified TiO 2 Films on Common Glass Substrates

Boric acid-treated and sulfur ion-doped multi-modified TiO 2 films with high photocatalytic activities were prepared on soda–lime glass (Na 2 O · CaO · 6SiO 2 ) substrates via the sol–gel method. The as-prepared specimens were characterized using high-resolution field emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectra, UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area. The photocatalytic activities of the films were evaluated by degradation of organic dyes in aqueous solutions. Compared with boric acid treatment and sulfur surface doping, the integration of both methods gave the best results. It is believed that high photocatalytic activity is correlated with the microstructure of the TiO 2 film.