Pure and Nanocomposite Thin Films Based on TiO2 Prepared by Sol-Gel Process: Characterization and Applications

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) thin films have innumerable applications, and the preparation of nanocomposites based on TiO2 favors the coupling of different structures that can lead to additional or enhanced properties. The aim of this chapter is to show the preparation and characterization of TiO2 thin films and some nanocomposites based on anatase-TiO2, prepared by sol-gel process using the dip-coating technique. TiO2 thin films were prepared by sol-gel process onto borosilicate glass, steel, magnet, and silicon substrates from alcoholic starting solutions containing titanium isopropoxide, isopropyl alcohol, and acids to the control of the velocity of gelation. The doped thin films, such as SiO2/TiO2, Ag/TiO2, and Nb/TiO2, were prepared adding the dopants in a form of salts or alkoxides in starting solution. The morphological, structural, and textural characterization of the films was made using X-ray diffraction (XRD), high resolution transmission electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectrometer (EDS) detector, atomic force microscopy/nanoindentation, and UV-Vis spectroscopy. Photoelectrical, mechanical, biological, optical, and surface properties were evaluated.