Photocatalytic properties of Ti–V oxides thin films

In this work, the photocatalytic properties of Ti–V oxides thin films with 19 and 23 at.% of vanadium addition have been outlined. The films were deposited by the high energy reactive magnetron sputtering method. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements were done in order to determine the chemical composition and binding energy of the elements on the samples surface. Additionally, based on wettability measurements, the water contact angles were evaluated and were equal to ca. 94° and 55° for thin films with 19 and 23 at.% of V, respectively. This testifies about hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties, respectively. Photoactivity of thin films was determined by percent decomposition of phenol for 5 hours during UV–vis radiation exposure. The highest photocatalytic activity of 6.2%/cm2 was obtained for thin films with 19 at.% of V. It has been found that an increase in V amount in Ti–V oxides thin films to 23 at.% results in lowered to 3%/cm2 photocatalytic activity.