Dense TiO2 thin film:: photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic properties

Sol-gel derived transparent dense TiO2 thin film was dip-coated on glass substrates. The surface morphology of the film was examined by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and its crystal phase was characterised by X-ray diffractometer (XRD). Photoelectrochemical properties of the TiO2 films were evaluated in the presence of organic compounds with different molecular structure. At low concentration ranges, the magnitude of photocurrent increment can be linked to the molecular structure of the organic compounds. While at high concentrations, the photocurrent generated was dependent on the differences between the interactions of different organic compounds and their partially degraded intermediates with TiO2 surface. The photocatalytic activity of the TiO2 films was evaluated by the degradation of oxalic acid.