Evaluation of Thermal Stability of TiO2 Applied on the Surface of a Ceramic Tile to Eliminate Methylene Blue Using Silica-based Doping Materials

Nanotechnology is a promising and practical method for removing volatile organic materials from tile surfaces. Tiles are usually coated at temperatures above 1000 °C. At temperatures above 500 °C, TiO2 cannot maintain its photocatalytic properties due to the anatase to rutile phase transformation, making it difficult to perform the method. One of the main goals of this study is to explore the possibility of producing TiO2 nanostructures through a simple and cost-effective method without requiring any modifications to existing factory production lines. In this experimental study, the nanostructure of TiO2 was doped with nickel and nitrogen ions, prepared based on silica through the sol-gel method, and mixed with a glaze called nanoglaze. The resulting nanostructure was calcined at 1200 °C, where the molecular ratio of silica-based doped TiO2 was changed. The nanoglaze was coated on the blocks and placed under the CFL lamp. SEM, FTIR, XRD, and TGA techniques were used to analyze its nanostructure. The results showed the thermal stability of the nanostructure at 1200 °C. TiO2 shows a photocatalytic effect only in the ultraviolet region. The removal rate of Methylene Blue as a pollutant sample was tested. The removal rate of methylene blue was 44% in the presence of titanium dioxide photocatalyst. According to XRD analysis, the size of the photocatalyst crystal particles was 3.5 nm. Adding TiO2 removes pollutants from water and air. Also, self-cleaning properties appear in these materials. So, photocatalysts can be added to building structures, pavements, paints, cement and plaster.