TiO2 decorated Au nanoparticle enhances wettability of glass for self-cleaning application

Understanding the hydrophilic features assisted modification of the wettability properties of glass by adding bimetallic nanoparticles (NPs) is crucial for self-cleaning applications. In this study, a series of glasses with a composition of (70 – x − y)TeO2–20ZnO–9Na2O–1Er2O3–(x)TiO2–(y) Au where x = 0, 0.3 mol% and y = 0, 0.03, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20 mol% were prepared using the melt-quenching technique. Decorating TiO2 with Au NPs modified the optical, texture, structure, and wettability properties of glass. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectra affirmed the amorphous features of glass. The emergence of two vivid surface plasmon resonance (SPR) bands in the visible region is due to the addition of TiO2 and Au NPs. The atomic force microscopy (AFM) images showed the distribution of widely-scattered islands due to bimetallic TiO2/Au NPs. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) micrographs manifested the growth of NPs following the coalescence process. The decrement in the water contact angle and the emergence of thin water film on the glass surface implied enhancement in the hydrophilic features of glass.