Enhanced photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue using DEA-modified TiO2 thin films

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Bayu Prasetya, Elisa Susanti Sigalingging, Resti Marlina, Aditya Rianjanu, Eka Nurfani

2025 Semiconductor Science and Technology Vol. 40 Issue 10 Article Cited by 1 Quartile

Abstract

In this study, TiO2 thin films were successfully fabricated on silicon substrates using the spin coating method, with varying volumes of diethanolamine (DEA) added to the precursor solution. The objective was to evaluate the effect of DEA concentration on the structural and photocatalytic properties of the films for methylene blue (MB) wastewater treatment. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the formation of the anatase phase in all samples, which is well-known for its high photocatalytic activity. Photocatalytic performance was assessed through the degradation of MB under UV irradiation, with photolysis control confirming negligible dye degradation in the absence of the films. The results demonstrated that the film with optimized DEA content achieved the highest degradation efficiency of 80.03%. Reusability tests showed decreasing performance over repeated cycles (80.03%, 54.74%, 39.60%, 39.77%, and 39.93%), indicating surface fouling and active site loss. This study highlights the influence of DEA on film formation and photocatalytic behavior, and suggests the potential of spin-coated TiO2 thin films for effective application in organic wastewater treatment. © 2025 IOP Publishing Ltd. All rights, including for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies, are reserved.

Affiliations

Department of Materials Engineering, Faculty of Industrial Technology, Institut Teknologi Sumatera (ITERA), South Lampung, 35365, Indonesia; Research Center for Biomass and Bioproducts, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Cibinong, 16911, Indonesia; Center for Green and Sustainable Materials, Institut Teknologi Sumatera (ITERA), South Lampung, 35365, Indonesia