Sol–gel synthesis, preparation and characterization of photoactive TIO₂ with ultrasound treatment

Titania was prepared by the sol–gel method from titanium isopropoxide with ultrasound influence (USI) by different pH (acetic acid (AA) or diethyl amine (DEA). Samples were represented in powder and films forms. The TiO₂ was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), FTIR. XRD shows that TiO₂ prepared with diethyl amine has only the anatase phase, however the samples prepared with acetic acid–anatase and rutile phases both could be detected. Ultrasound influence increases the anatase content in comparison with its missing. Photo electromotive force (Photo EMF) datas of TiO₂ films were received in a three-electrode wet cell. It was found that the photo activity depended on the conditions of synthesis crystalline phases. Photo EMF for the TiO₂ films on the nickel electrode is 1.5 mV (TiO₂ with acetic acid conditions), 6.8 mV (TiO₂ with diethyl amine conditions) 8.0 mV (TiO₂ with acetic acid + USI conditions), 22.0 mV (TiO₂ with diethyl amine +USI conditions).