Improved Photocatalytic Activity of Polysiloxane TiO₂ Composites by Thermally Induced Nanoparticle Bulk Clustering and Dye Adsorption

Fine control of nanoparticle clustering within polymeric matrices can be tuned to enhance the physicochemical properties resulting composites, which are governed by interplay surface segregation and bulk clustering. To this aim, out-of-equilibrium strategies leveraged program multiscale organization such systems. Here, we present experimental results indicating that assembly highly photoactive clusters titanium dioxide nanoparticles an in situ synthesized polysiloxane matrix thermally tuned. Remarkably, controlled improved degradation photocatalytic performances material under 1 sun toward methylene blue. The coatings, particular 35 wt % TiO2-loaded show a about 80%, was comparable equivalent amount bare TiO2 two-fold higher with respect corresponding composites not subjected thermal treatment. These findings highlight role induced enhancing nanoparticle/polymer composite properties.