Nanoparticulate cerium dioxide and cerium dioxide–titanium dioxide composite thin films on glass by aerosol assisted chemical vapour deposition

Two series of composite thin films were deposited on glass by aerosol assisted chemical vapour deposition (AACVD)—nanoparticulate cerium dioxide and nanoparticulate cerium dioxide embedded in a titanium dioxide matrix. The films were analysed by a range of techniques including UV–visible absorption spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive analysis by X-rays. The AACVD prepared films showed the functional properties of photocatalysis and super-hydrophilicity. The CeO2 nanoparticle thin films displaying photocatalysis and photo-induced hydrophilicity almost comparable to that of anatase titania.