Amorphous Titanium Oxide Coating Low-Temperature Photocatalysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for creating a titanium oxide coating on solar panels to prevent fouling and maintain transparency are limited by the need for high-temperature processing, which can damage soft substrates, and the use of sub-micron titanium oxide particles that reduce transparency.
Innovation Solution
A titanium compound sol solution is developed using an alkoxy titanium, an α-substituted β-diketone, and a solvent, with a specific condensation degree and particle size range, allowing for the formation of an amorphous titanium oxide coating that exhibits photocatalytic effects at low temperatures without the need for anatase crystal structure, suitable for various substrates including soft glasses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high-temperature firing (300°C or higher) is used to transfer crystal structure to anatase type, then photocatalyst effect is improved, but substrate melts or deforms
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical composition parameters of the titanium oxide coating by incorporating specific metal elements (Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Mn, Al, or Si) at controlled concentrations (0.1-10 at%). This compositional modification allows the coating to achieve photocatalytic activity at lower firing temperatures (100-200°C) without requiring the anatase crystal structure, thus preventing substrate damage while maintaining functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite titanium oxide material by combining TiO2 with small amounts of transition metal elements or metalloid elements. This composite structure provides both the photocatalytic properties of TiO2 and the low-temperature processing capability introduced by the metal additives, eliminating the need for high-temperature crystallization
2Reliability
If sub-micron titanium oxide particles are used, then photocatalyst effect is improved, but transparency is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the particle size parameter to an ultrafine range (1-100 nm, preferably 5-50 nm), which is significantly smaller than conventional sub-micron particles. At this ultrafine scale, the particles become transparent to visible light while maintaining high photocatalytic surface area, thus resolving the contradiction between transparency and photocatalytic effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a coating with non-uniform local structure, combining ultrafine particles (1-100 nm) that provide transparency with controlled metal element distribution that enhances photocatalytic activity. The local composition varies to optimize both optical and catalytic properties simultaneously
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables the production of a transparent, amorphous titanium oxide coating with excellent photocatalytic properties and antifouling capabilities while avoiding the limitations of high-temperature processing, ensuring film strength and flexibility, and maintaining transparency.
Implementation Method 1
a particulate incomplete condensate obtained by condensing an alkoxy titanium, an α-substituted β-diketone, and a solvent and a condensation degree of the incomplete condensate is not less than 25% and not more than 70%
Implementation Method 2
there is an attempt to make use of the photocatalyst effect of a titanium oxide
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a titanium compound sol solution capable of enabling manufacturing of a film high in transparency and having an excellent photocatalyst effect by low-temperature processing, and a coating film using the same. The present invention is a titanium compound sol solution containing a particulate incomplete condensate obtained by condensing an alkoxy titanium, an α-substituted β-diketone, and a solvent.