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Ceramics International, Volume 40, Issue 3, April 2014, Pages 3903-3911.
M. Dudita, L.M. Manceriu, M. Anastasescu, M. Nicolescu, M. Gartner, A. Duta.
Transilvania University of Brasov, Renewable Energy Systems and Recycling Department, Eroilor 29, 500036 Braşov, Romania and
CNRS, Université de Bordeaux, ICMCB, 87 Avenue du Dr. Albert Schweitzer, F-33608 Pessac, France and
Institute of Physical Chemistry “Ilie Murgulescu”, 202 Splaiul Independentei Street, 060021 Bucharest, Romania
Abstract
Titanium dioxide thin films with coloured reflections were deposited on glass substrate by robotic spray pyrolysis deposition using titanium (IV) isopropoxide as a precursor and air as a carrier gas. The films’ optical properties were analyzed by UV–vis–NIR spectrometry using a 150 mm integrating sphere and spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE). The surface properties were evaluated by atomic force microscopy (roughness and morphology) and contact angle measurement (wettability). The colour variation of the films was determined in the CIE (Commission Internationale d’Eclairage) L⁎a⁎b⁎ colour system by using the total reflectance spectra measured in the visible range.
Thin films with low roughness (<4.5 nm), high transparency (>70%) in the UV–vis–NIR region and hydrophilic properties were obtained. The optical properties, particularly transmittance are not influenced by humidity exposure. The colour of the films depends on the number of deposition sequences due to thickness and surface topology modification. By varying the deposition sequences brownish, purple, light-violet or purple–brown coloured reflections can be obtained. These coloured TiO2 thin films will be used in solar collectors’ glazing, supporting increased architectural acceptance.
