Abstract

Niobium doped TiO₂ films can combine properties of TCO (transparent conductive oxide) with superhydrophilicity activated by UV radiation. Ti-Nb metal films were deposited on a glass substrate through triode magnetron sputtering. Afterward, the Ti-Nb metallic films were oxidized at 600 °C during 1.0 h in air atmosphere, with similar parameters of those used in glass heat-treatment. Measurements of roughness, crystallization, chemical composition, and wettability were carried out through atomic force microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, and contact angle, respectively. Results showed that all films were crystallized as rutile-TiO₂ phase and were transparent in visible range. TiO₂:Nb films showed nanometer roughness that can be classified as superhydrophilic, after activation with UV light. The contact angle values were similar to those of pure TiO₂ films, that is, the TiO₂:Nb films preserved the self-cleaning properties.

Keywords:
TiO₂:Nb films; UV photoactivation; wettability