Sub-estioquiometric titania layers prepared by MOCVD for photocatalysis application

The elimination of organic polluants in water is an issue of increasing concern in today's society. TiO2 is well-known photocatalist for the air-oxidation of organic compounds. This paper deals with the preparation of TiO2 layers by MOCVD technique. THe structure and growth rate of the layers have been characterized as a function of deposition parameters. Photodegradation of activity of the prepared layers have been measured as a function of roughness and oxygen stoichiometry of the layers. Titania films with oxygen sub-estioquiometry have shown higher degradation actyvity even in the visible range, whic make them ideal candidates for low-cost photodegradation application.