Photocatalytically-active and photocontrollable coatings based on titania-loaded hybrid sol–gel films

Abstract

The photocatalytically-active coatings were obtained by immobilizing titania nanoparticles into a sol–gel-derived SiO_x:ZrO_x matrix. The resultant hybrid films show high photocatalytic, photobiocide and excellent corrosion protection properties which exhibit no degradation during the course of long-term irradiation with UV light. The possibility of a UV-induced opening of titania-based polyelectrolyte containers embedded into SiO_x:ZrO_x film is also demonstrated that opens fresh opportunities in developing photocontrollable coatings capable to release encapsulated chemical agents under illumination.