Coatings on Al substrates were prepared with the process of hydrothermal synthesis from titanium isopropoxide (Ti(OCH(CH3)2)4) in aqueous medium. Different temperatures and times were used, ranging from 100° to 200°C and 1 to 48 hours. It was shown that boehmite ((γ-AlO(OH)) crystallized on the surface of aluminium along with anatase titanium dioxide. Titanium layer was much more homogenous at higher temperatures, where additional experiments were performed. Titanium diffusion into boehmite at high temperature results in absence of TiO2 at times greater then 12h. In boehmite crystals unique planar defects were found when enough titanium diffuses in it. That same defect is absent if the sample is prepared in pure aqueous medium. Photocatalytical properties of TiO2 coating on aluminium are comparable to those prepared on titanium substrates.
D.10 Educational activities
COBISS.SI-ID: 1235039Three young scientist (Barbara Horvat, Matic Krivec in Anže Abram) are involved in the project with doctoral thesis within the research area of the project. All the time they have regular connections with cooperating industry. Matic Krivec earned a scholarship from Af Futura and spent 4 monts in well known catalytical lab in Hannover with prof. Bahnemann.
D.09 Tutoring for postgraduate students
Beside cooperation with the industrial partners (Cinkarna Celje and Impol Slovenska Bistrica) involved in the project we tried to disseminate the knowledge and experience obtained to other industry. With the glass factory Steklarna Hrastnik we sign a contract for research and development of photocatalytical TiO2 coatings on glass products. The project is in last testing phase. We succeeded to develop a procedure for the preparation of coatings using hydrothermal synthesis. After testing phase the company will decide based on commercial interest if the product will be produced.
F.06 Development of a new product