Abstract: Supported multicomponent membranes with photocatalytic antifogging property were prepared by the improved sol gel method. The influences of preparation and experiment conditions such as thickness of membrane, temperature and time of sintering, light source, and intensity of illumination on hydrophilicity of the membranes were studied by using XRD, AESand water-contact angle measurement. The results show that TiO₂ crystal type and specific surface area of the membrane are the important factors affecting the hydrophilicity of the photocatalytic antifogging membrane. The water-contact angle is decreased with increasing the specific surface area and the content of anatase. Hydrophilicity of the membrane was also determined by thickness of membrane due to the amount of catalyst and efficiency of UVlight absorption. It was found that the hydrophilicity has a step-response to intensity of illumination. Sunlight illumination has a similar efficiency to the ultraviolet lamp for recovering and maintaining hydrophilicity of membrane.

Key words: Titania, Photocatalysis, Hydrophilicity, Antifogging, Contact angle