Enhanced photocatalysts based on Ag-TiO2 and Ag-N-TiO2 nanoparticles for multifunctional leather surface coating

• Published in: Open Chemistry Vol. 14; no. 1; pp. 383 - 392
• Main Authors: Gaidau, Carmen, Petica, Aurora, Ignat, Madalina, Iordache, Ovidiu, Ditu, Lia-Mara, Ionescu, Marcel
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: De Gruyter Open 01.01.2016; De Gruyter
• Subjects: antimicrobial; multifunctional properties; nanocomposites; self-cleaning; silver deposited on titanium dioxide
• ISSN: 2391-5420; 2391-5420
• DOI: 10.1515/chem-2016-0040

The Ag deposition on TiO nanoparticles (Ag-TiO NPs) and N-TiO nanoparticles (Ag-N-TiO NPs) has been made by electrochemical methodology in view of improved antibacterial properties and enhanced photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation. The particle size in powder and in dispersion showed similar values and good stability in aqueous medium which made them suitable for use in leather surface covering for new multifunctional properties development. The diffuse reflectance spectra of Ag-TiO NPs, Ag-N-TiO NPs and TiO NPs have been investigated and correlated with their photocatalytic performances under UV and visible light against different silver concentrations. The leather surfaces treated with Ag-N-TiO NPs showed advanced self-cleaning properties under visible light exposure through the hydrophilic mechanism of organic soil decomposition. Moreover the bacterial sensitivity and proven fungitoxic properties of Ag-N-TiO NPs leads to the possibility of designing new multifunctional additives to extend the advanced applications for more durable and useable materials.