Preparation and Characterization of Water‐Soluble Phthalocyanine Modified Nano‐TiO2 Functional Thin Films and Their Photocatalytic Activity in the Degradation of Methylene Blue

ABSTRACT In this study, 4‐{3‐[3‐(diethylamino)phenoxy]propoxy}phthalonitrile, copper(II), manganese(III) phthalocyanines and their water‐soluble derivatives were synthesized and characterized. The water‐soluble phthalocyanines ( DE‐C 3 ‐CuQ and DE‐C 3 ‐MnQ ) were modified on TiO 2 nanoparticles using the sol–gel method. The obtained DE‐C 3 ‐CuQ and DE‐C 3 ‐MnQ modified TiO 2 nanoparticles ( DE‐C 3 ‐CuQ/TiO 2 and DE‐C 3 ‐MnQ/TiO 2 ) were coated onto glass films by spraying at weight percentages of 10%, 25%, and 50% and then thermally cured. The crystal structures of the obtained modified TiO 2 nanoparticles were determined, and particle size distribution measurements were carried out. The coating surfaces were examined using an electron microscope, film thicknesses were determined by optical profilometry, and the mechanical properties of the coatings were analyzed. The photocatalytic activities of the prepared coatings were comparatively examined by evaluating the degradation of methylene blue as a model pollutant. It has been understood that there is a significant difference in the light transmittance values of TiO 2 and TiO 2 nanocoatings ( DE‐C 3 ‐CuQ/TiO 2 and DE‐C 3 ‐MnQ/TiO 2 ) between 10% and 50% content ratios and that they have high photocatalytic activity.