Photocatalytic self-cleaning transparent 2Bi2O3-B2O3 glass ceramics

Photocatalytic response of as-quenched and heat-treated 2Bi(2)O(3)-B2O3 glasses was studied. X ray diffraction reveals that the controlled heat treatment of glasses at 380 degrees C for 1 h, 2 h, and 3 h shows the formation of Bi4B2O9 crystals embedded in 2Bi(2)O(3)-B2O3 the host glass matrix. Scanning electron microscopic images reveal the presence of nanocrystallization in as-quenched glass. Significant photocatalytic activities were observed in as-quenched transparent glass. Photocatalytic activities were studied using the degradation of Resazurin as well as pharmaceutical 17 beta-Estradiol under UV irradiation. Measurement of contact angle shows enhanced hydrophilicity with the increase in crystallization of the samples. Further, for as quenched 2Bi(2)O(3)-B2O3 glass ceramic, under UV irradiation, the water contact angle decreased from 92.7 degrees to 39.5 degrees and the sample surface transformed from hydrophobic to hydrophilic. Effective photocatalytic performance along with photoinduced hydrophilicity promotes 2Bi(2)O(3)-B2O3 glass ceramics in self-cleaning applications. Published by AIP Publishing.