Tuning structural and wettability properties of glass using ellipsoidal TiO2 nanoparticles

Abstract

Self-cleaning glasses became demanding for various advanced applications due to their manifold advantages. In this view, some tellurite glasses containing TiO2 nanoparticles with varying concentrations were synthesized using the standard melt-quenching. These glasses were transparent with a reddish appearance. The HRTEM images of the glasses showed the presence of ellipsoidal TiO2 NPs with sizes ranging from 9-22 nm and 5-9 nm along the major and minor axis, respectively. The lattice fringe pattern of the selected TiO2 NPs confirmed their anatase structure with a lattice spacing of 0.36 nm. The observed reduction in the water contact angle from 67.5 degrees to 43.0 degrees of the glasses indicated their hydrophilic nature. The high work of adhesion (0.101- 0.126 N.m-1) of the glasses revealed the strong interfacial attractive force between water and glass. It was demonstrated that by adjusting the TiO2 NPs contents the hydrophilic traits of the glassed can be tailored, indicating the suitability for self-cleaning applications.