Surface roughness control of zirconia films using a novel photoresponsive precursor molecule for improving its photocatalytic activity

摘要

A novel photoresponsive zirconia (ZrO_2) precursor solution was prepared using zirconium tetra-H-butoxide, 4-(phenylazo)benzoic acid and ethyleneglycol monomethylether. Two kinds of ZrO_2 films were prepared using the photoresponsive ZrO_2 precursor solution and by dip-coating while applying an electric field to the substrates: one was the film prepared with ultraviolet (UV) irradiation to the solution and as-deposited films; the other was the film prepared without UV irradiation. It was found that the surface roughness of films was greatly changed by UV irradiation. Furthermore, the photocatalytic activity of the rough film was greater than that of the smooth film.