Tio2/zro2 thin films synthesized by pld in low pressure n-, c- and/or o-containing gases: structural, optical and photocatalytic properties

Abstract

Doped TiO2/ZrO2 films were obtained by Pulsed Laser Deposition method under different synthesis conditions. The onset of absorption spectra was red shifted for the films obtained in N-2 containing gas mixtures, while a broad absorption in visible was observed in the case of films deposited in CH4 atmosphere. The presence of O-Ti-N bonds revealed by XPS corresponded to the highest photocatalytic performance. XPS spectra of the samples obtained in N-2/CH4 gas mixtures evidenced a more effective incorporation of nitrogen in the structure due to oxygen deficiency. Nevertheless, no atomic carbon presence in the TiO2/ZrO2 structures has been detected