Composition and properties of RF-sputter deposited titanium dioxide thin films.

The photocatalytic properties of titania (TiO 2 ) have prompted research utilising its useful ability to convert solar energy into electron-hole pairs to drive novel chemistry. The aim of the present work is to examine the properties required for a synthetic method capable of producing thin TiO 2 films, with well defined, easily modifiable characteristics. Presented here is a method of synthesis of TiO 2 nanoparticulate thin films generated using RF plasma capable of homogenous depositions with known elemental composition and modifiable properties at a far lower cost than single-crystal TiO 2 . Multiple depositions regimes were examined for their effect on overall chemical composition and to minimise the unwanted contaminant, carbon, from the final film. The resulting TiO 2 films can be easily modified through heating to further induce defects and change the electronic structure, crystallinity, surface morphology and roughness of the deposited thin film.