The enhanced photocatalytic activity and self-cleaning properties of mesoporous SiO2 coated Cu-Bi2O3 thin films.

Mesoporous SiO2 coated Cu-Bi2O3 thin films (meso-SiO2/Cu-Bi2O3) were prepared on glass substrates using a simple sol-gel/spin-coating method. The structure and optical properties were characterized using X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, a UV-vis spectrophotometer and a water contact angle meter. The photocatalytic activity and self-cleaning properties of the films were investigated through the degradation of methyl orange and stearic acid, respectively. It was found that the meso-SiO2/Cu-Bi2O3 thin films were highly transparent and showed excellent superhydrophilicity even in the dark. The thin films exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activity and self-cleaning properties compared to pure Bi2O3 films, which was attributed to the cooperation of the interfacial charge transfer between Bi2O3 and surface Cu species as well as the unique mesoporous SiO2 structure. The results showed that the films can be used as promising self-cleaning and antifogging materials.