Synthesis of Co–TiO2 nanostructured photocatalytic coatings for MDF substrates

This paper describes for the first time the development of novel photocatalytic coatings specifically for medium density fibreboard (MDF) substrates. Anatase nanostructures were manufactured using a sol–gel synthesis route and subsequently heat-treated to form micro-sized agglomerates. In this study titanium dioxide particles were doped with cobalt in order to reduce the band gap and promote photocatalysis in the visible wavelength range. These agglomerates were then bound to MDF using a polyurethane-based binder. The subsequent coatings were tested under white, green and ultraviolet light using ink intelligent photoactive dyes in a gaseous environment and methylene blue indicator in an aqueous environment. Manufactured particles were also compared to the commercially available products P25 and Kronoclean 7000. The physical and chemical properties of the manufactured particles and substrates were evaluated using electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. This work demonstrates the performance of photocatalytic coatings applied to MDF.