catalysts

Review
SiO2@TiO2 Composite Synthesis
and Its Hydrophobic Applications: A Review
Alicia Rosales and Karen Esquivel *
Graduate and Research Division, Engineering Faculty, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro,
Cerro de las Campanas, Santiago de Querétaro 76010, Mexico; [email protected]
* Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +52-442-192-1200




Received: 14 December 2020; Accepted: 30 January 2020; Published: 2 February 2020


Abstract: Titanium dioxide is well known for its photocatalytic properties and low toxicity,
meanwhile, silicone dioxide exhibits hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties and thermal stability.
The union of these two materials offers a composite material with a wide range of applications
that relate directly to the combined properties. The SiO2 -TiO2 composite has been synthesized
through physical methods and chemical methods and, with adequate conditions, morphology,
crystallinity, boundaries between SiO2 -TiO2 , among other properties, can be controlled. Thus,
the applications of this composite are wide for surface applications, being primarily used as powder
or coating. However, the available research information on this kind of composite material is still
novel, therefore research in this field is still needed in order to clarify all the physical and chemical
properties of the material. This review aims to encompass the available methods of synthesis
of SiO2 -TiO2 composite with modifiers or dopants, the application and known chemical and physical
properties in surfaces such as glass, mortar and textile, including aspects for the development
of this material.

Keywords: SiO2 ; TiO2 ; composites; photocatalysis; hydrophobic

1. Introduction
The imitation of nature gives inspiration for the development of new technologies for
pro-environmental remediation. Biomimetic is the term employed in the literature and in engineering
for understanding the natural process for describing a perfect functional system where, over years
of evolution, it yields the best adaptation to the environment [1]. In this kind of technology,
we can find silicon oxide (SiO2 ) and titanium dioxide (TiO2 ). Both oxides are considered an example
of biomimetic materials.
To give the biomimetic term to a material, a clear example of it needs to be presented. The “lotus
effect” has extraordinary hydrophobic performance and self-cleaning features. With the rolling of water
droplets, dust is removed from the surface with the movement of the water; in other words, it sweeps
away contaminating particles. This phenomenon is called the self-cleaning property [2]. Hydrophobic
and self-cleaning surfaces show great potential in industrial applications due to their morphology
structure [3].
Many materials are inspired by nature, such as the structure of butterfly wings [4],
the needle-shaped seta of water stride [5], gecko feed [6], and the morphology of the lotus leaf [7].
The lotus leaf has hierarchical micro and nanostructures on its surface. It is determined by
a combination of surface chemistry and surface architecture [8]. Generally, the most hierarchical
topography consists of multiple levels of roughness and micro and nanostructures on the surface [9].
It was observed that the lotus leaf was covered by about 10 µm sized protrusions at random with about
20 µm intervals among them, giving low-surface energy [10]. The surface architecture of hierarchically

Catalysts 2020, 10, 171; doi:10.3390/catal10020171 www.mdpi.com/journal/catalysts

Catalysts 2020, 10, 171 2 of 17

rough surfaces reduces available contact area and the ability for water droplets to adhere to the surface.
The measured contact angle is then a composite of the surface of air, as described by the Cassie-Baxter
theory of wettability [11]. This is one of the classical models, and corresponding formulae about
the surface wettability were established to understand the mechanism of hydrophobic phenomena from
a theoretical perspective [12]. Based on these models, scientists not only theoretically explained the
hydrophobic mechanism, but also calculated the contact angle (CA) of the corresponding surface [13].
The materials SiO2 and TiO2 have been used in separate ways, and have been widely reported
in the literature with different synthesis methods and applications; however, the use of SiO2 -TiO2 as
a composite is reported in fewer papers. The lack of information about this kind of composite material
limits the synthesis methods and applications. For that reason, more research in this field is needed in
order to achieve a more complete review with all physical and chemical properties.
The review will focus on the hydrophobic surfaces of SiO2 and TiO2 with developments
in synthesis methods, physicochemical properties, reaction mechanisms and applications in the fields
of energy, environment, industry and others. The content is divided into three parts: a brief summary
of basic theories including the hydrophobic phenomenon, self-cleaning properties in different surfaces
(Section 2); Section 3 presents the methodologies for the synthesis of hydrophobic surfaces and their
nanostructures and wettability. Practical applications of hydrophobic surfaces are shown in Section 4
such as in water self-cleaning, hydrophobic and anti-reflectivity. The last section summarizes the results
and the challenges in the development of hydrophobic surfaces and the trends among this kind
of surface.

2. Theory behind the Physico-Chemical Characteristics in SiO2 -TiO2

Silicone dioxide (SiO2 ) is a semiconductor compound with low toxicity, high thermal stability,
and has both an amorphous and crystalline structure [14]. The properties have been extensively
studied in different areas, such as electronics, photo-tonic, chemicals, environmental, electrochemistry,
and biomedical fields [15–17]. The nobility of SiO2 allows its union with different materials, such as
TiO2 , one of the most studied photocatalysts. The SiO2 -TiO2 composite provide the properties
of both, where the SiO2 is a support for the TiO2 particles, with chemical, electronic and hydrophobic
properties [18].
Self-cleaning is one of the most desired properties of the intelligent materials. This property is
a typical phenomenon in nature; for thousands of years, natural evolution and selection has optimized
functional systems, creating the ability of surfaces to repel contaminants such as solid particles
and liquids. The first time this phenomenon was observed was in the leaves of the Lotus plant.
Droplets of water deposited on the surface of the leaves maintained an almost perfect spherical shape,
and rolled over the surface removing the particles of powder. Exhibiting not only a self-cleaning
property but also extraordinary hydrophobic properties [2,19]. This phenomenon is called the “lotus
effect” [20]. It is important to mention that this effect is not particular to the lotus plant, other plants
and insects have hydrophobic surfaces [21]. For this reason, the lotus leaf only opened the doors for
hydrophobic investigation.
In this context, the first studies in 1990 of hydrophobic surfaces discovered that some
hydrophobic surfaces in nature exhibit other functionals properties such as low wettability, antifogging,
anti-reflection, and resistance [22]. Barthlott and Neinhuis et al. conducted the first research reporting
the microstructure of the lotus leaf through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) [23]. Subsequently,
Jian et al. found that a combination of multistructural micro and nanorugosity structures are
fundamental for obtaining the self-cleaning phenomenon [24].
The presence of micro and nano structures on the surface provides low surface energy and surface
tension, creating a rugosity in the surface, therefore obtaining a hydrophobic surface. Wettability is
usually determined through the measurement of the contact angle of the water droplet on the surface.
The contact angle is defined as the liquid-steam interface with respect to the solid-liquid interface.
This angle is classified in three categories as shown in Figure 1 [25], hydrophilic surfaces exhibit
Catalysts 2020, 10, 171 3 of 17

a contact angle of less than 90◦ ; hydrophobic surfaces present a contact angle higher than 90◦ and super
hydrophobic surfaces present a contact angle higher than 150◦ .

Figure 1. Contact angle and Sliding angle on the surface.

Thomas Young was the first person to describe the contact angle in 1980, established by
the mechanical balance of the drop, acting with three interfacial tensions in an ideal solid surface [26].
Considering the contact angle is stable, it corresponds to a minimum of Gibbs free energy. Where Gibbs
free energy states that the system must achieve a minimum of free energy when there is a liquid
vapor balance. At constant temperature and pressure the surface tension is equal to Gibbs free energy
per surface area [27,28]. The reduction of the surface’s energy increases the hydrophobicity of the
surface. Micro/nano surface texturing is another way to decrease the surface energy. In summary,
the movement of the fluid over a solid surface can be achieved by two means, namely, the liquid
follows the solid state, or it moves in the air trapped within the micro / nano texture on the surface [11].
Usually, self-cleaning surfaces need to be prepared in advance, namely, making a rough surface for
low surface energy materials and chemically modifying the surface roughness to create a rough surface
from low-surface energy materials. In this context, self-assembly organ silanes are one of the most
employed strategies due to the high efficiency of making a surface hydrophobic by reducing surface
energy [29].
The structure of the Polydimethil Siloxane (PDMS) is a chain with an Si-O-Si structure and side
chains of the -CH3 groups. The structure exhibits thermal stability and elasticity, due to high bond
energy and large bond angle. Furthermore, the -CH3 groups have proportionate low surface energy
and hydrophobicity as a result of the non-polar groups [30]. Moreover, PDMS with terminating methyl
groups is hydrophobic silicone and can firmly adhere to the surface without using other additives.
The hydroxyl groups of PDMS, which hydrolyzes during stirring, can interact with SiO2 antiparticles
by hydrogen bonding [31].
On the other hand, the Hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS) has methyl terminations, making it
hydrophobic and making it an attractive material for creating a super hydrophobic surface
and eliminating the need for complex chemical pathways [32]. HMDS forms the (CH3 )3 –Si–O-group
on Si wafer surfaces and on glass surfaces which changes these surfaces to lipophilic and indirectly
facilitates the formation of a surface susceptible to the adhesion of organic impurities [33].
These modifiers of the surface enhance the self-cleaning properties. Moreover, compounds such
as metallic oxides, ceramics or organic compounds offer different properties, such as photocatalytic
activity. Among these compounds, TiO2 is one of the materials with promising results.
Catalysts 2020, 10, 171 4 of 17

TiO2 is known for the diverse applications in different areas such as pharmaceutical, make up,
environmental remediation, biomedical applications [34], devices and others [35]. Among the qualities
of the material, low toxicity, chemical stability, and high availability stand out as advantages over other
semiconductors. Also, due to these characteristics, TiO2 is one of the most employed photocatalyst [36–38].
TiO2 exhibits a high effectiveness in environmental remediation in the degradation of inorganic
and organic pollutants. The photocatalytic properties are exhibited under irradiation with UV
light, due to the band gap value of 3.2 eV, limiting the application. However, these properties
can be increased by diminution of the band gap [39,40]. The photocatalytic process begins with
the photogeneration of holes and electrons, which are diffusing to the surface, where reactive species
react with the pollutant; as a result, a series of oxidation and reduction phenomena take place as
shown in Figure 2 [41]. On the other hand, the physical properties of the TiO2 such as morphology,
surface area, crystalline phase and particle size of TiO2 , are well-known factors that directly impact on
the photocatalysis mechanism [42,43].

Figure 2. Photocatalytic activity of TiO2 on SiO2 .

One of the main drawbacks that limits the use of TiO2 is the method of application, since it
is normally used in suspension. Typically, a loss of up to 30% of catalyst material is assessed for
suspension applications [42]. For this reason, there is increasing interest in novel research in which
TiO2 is supported on a different material, SiO2 has been employed as substrate for this purpose.
The union of SiO2 -TiO2 has been achieved by different techniques such as sol-gel, impregnation,
or precipitation [44]. In order to improve the yields of the desired reactions, the TiO2 film must have
certain characteristics such as well defined textural morphology and a proper thickness [45]. Moreover,
the molar ratio of SiO2 -TiO2 directly affects the crystallinity of the material, crystal size and porosity
of the TiO2 . Furthermore, this material offers optical properties due to the high scattering of TiO2 as
a consequence of its large band gap and high refractive index. These properties allow the manufacture
of antireflective and transparent surfaces of SiO2 -TiO2 [46,47].

3. Synthesis Methods
Nanoparticles of TiO2 and SiO2 are found to have different structures. The methodologies
employed yield different structural and physical properties.

3.1. Physical Methods

The physical methods are optimizable processes due to the precise conditions they use, such as
high temperatures, pressures and high purity of precursors, which is why they are characterized by
their high cost and limited applications.
Catalysts 2020, 10, 171 5 of 17

3.1.1. Sputtering
Magnetron sputtering is a deposition technique involving a gaseous plasma which is generated
and confined to a space containing the material to be deposited. First, pressure is stabilized
typically in the mTorr range employing a pressure control system. After, the sputtering gas which
is the plasma is flowed into the chamber. The surface of the sample is eroded by high-energy ions
within the plasma, and the liberated atoms travel through the vacuum environment and deposit onto
a substrate to form a thin film [48]. These collisions cause an electrostatic repulsion which ‘knock off’
electrons from the sputtering gas atoms, inducing ionization. The positive sputter gas atoms are now
accelerated towards the negatively charged cathode, causing high energy collisions with the surface
of the target [49]. In the interest of generating as many high energy collisions as possible, a high
molecular weight gas such as argon or xenon is used as sputtering gas. The oxygen or nitrogen gases
are employed for a reactive sputtering process [50]. Mezur et al. present the technique of magnetron
sputtering with an additional microwave source to improve plasma ionization during deposition for
the synthesis of TiO2 -SiO2 thin films. The conditions of magnetron sputtering were of 10 kW DC
power supply and 3 kW plasma source with Ti and Si targets with dimensions of 120 mm × 372 mm.
The deposition rate of titania and silica was maintained at 1.1 Å/s oxygen and argon flow was equal
to 56 sccm and 190 sccm, respectively. The microwave power was 2.7 kW, while power supplied to
Ti and Si targets was 4 kW. The microwave plasma was activated for 5 min, providing additional
cleaning of the substrates to remove organic residues. The results yield an anti-reflective, crack free
coated surface, homogeneous and composed of small grains with maximum height of circa 7 nm to
12 nm [51].
Jeong et al. presents the deposition of dielectric films such as SiO2 and TiO2 at low substrate
temperatures (<100 ◦ C) by means of a sputtering technique. The process can be controlled with
ease, which makes it a useful way to deposit high quality layers while maintaining good adhesion
as well as coating uniformity [52]. The employed methodology of the sputtering technique involved
the deposition of high purity (99.999% purity) ceramic targets of the materials (SiO2 and TiO2 ) on
silicon wafers. The process was carried out in a high vacuum chamber (7X10−6 mbar) in the presence
of different O2 /Ar+O2 ratios. Further analysis of cross sectional transmission electron microscopy
(TEM) images corroborated the variation of film structure towards a more dense and crystalline
structure with the increase of temperature and also the presence of the anatase phase of TiO2 [53].

3.1.2. Laser Ablation

Laser ablation is a combination of both vaporization and melt expulsion [54]. A focused
beam of laser radiation strikes a surface, the electrons present in the substrate are excited by laser
photons, the excitation results in generation of heat by absorption of photon energy. As consequence,
the heating produces vaporization or fusion of the material. This transition results in the formation
of a plasma plume. The initial heat generates a melt pool at the laser-substrate interaction zone.
The temperature increases more with incoming pulses and the melt pool reaches the vaporization state,
creating a high pressure, called recoil pressure, which pushes molten materials from the pool where
they are ejected, increasing the temperature at the laser-substrate. The liquid reaches an explosive
liquid-vapor phase transition stage, yielding geometric changes in the ablated features due to
the resolidification of molten material [55,56].
Barberio et al. report that nanoparticles can be grown by laser ablation irradiated with the first
harmonic of a Laser Nd:YAG (fluence of 500 mJ/cm2 , pulse of 7 ns and a frequency of 20 Hz) in
solution. Obtaining TiO2 and grains or wafer of SiO2 . The shape and dimensions of the produced
nanoparticles were controlled measuring the optical absorption of the solution during the irradiation.
Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images confirm the presence
of particles with an average size of 9.82 nm and 14.83 nm for SiO2 and TiO2 nanoparticles, respectively,
and very low standard deviations (in the range of 0.02–0.04 nm for both particles species). Also,
this layer is perfectly transparent, uniform, and hydrophobic [57].
Catalysts 2020, 10, 171 6 of 17

3.2. Chemical Methods

Chemical methods are processes that produce a chemical compound from a chemical precursor.
The SiO2 -TiO2 compound is mainly obtained by chemical synthesis.

3.2.1. Sol-Gel
Sol-gel reactions have been extensively studied as a method to prepare organic,
inorganic and ceramics compounds, at low temperature and pressure [58]. The process is divided into
two reactions; hydrolysis and condensation. The hydrolysis replaces alkoxide groups with hydroxyl
groups, generally catalyzed by the presence of an acidic or alkaline medium. During the hydrolysis
and condensation reactions, secondary products of low-molecular-weight as ethanol and water
molecules are generated. These molecules must be removed from the solutions [59,60]. Much research
has focused on synthesizing ceramic compounds such as TiO2 and SiO2 independently by the sol-gel
method as well as TiO2 -SiO2 composites due to its low cost, operation conditions and single step
doping in situ.
Son et al. fabricated SiO2 /TiO2 core shell nanoparticles to investigate the influence of the size
and refractive index of light-scattering particles on light-scattering properties [61,62]. On the other
hand, Lee et al. synthesized SiO2 /TiO2 core shell particles with variable shell thickness by a multistep
sol-gel coating process. Titania coating on the silica particles increased the electrophoretic mobility
and the specific surface area increased depending on the number of coating steps, attributed to
the textured titania coating layer [63].
The feasibility of the sol-gel method allows the modification of the synthesis of the SiO2 -TiO2
composite by adding modifiers and dopants that enhance its properties. Ang et al. prepared a series
of nitrogen-doped TiO2 -SiO2 were prepared by a sol-gel method through varying the TiO2 /SiO2
molar ratio, employed TTIP and TEOS as precursors of TiO2 and SiO2 respectively. The results showed
photocatalytic activity was modified for structural and morphology properties such as, amount of SiO2
on the surface, TiO2 particle size, surface area of TiO2 , and the formation of Brønsted acid sites on
the surface [64].On the other hand, Kim et al. reports the synthesis of a nitrogen doped SiO2 /TiO2
core shell by the sol-gel method in a stepwise manner, obtaining a completely encapsulated SiO2
nanoparticle by the TiO2 shell with uniform size distribution and enhanced photocatalytic activity [65].
Finally, Den et al. report a simple and practical approach to the facile production of TiO2 –SiO2 @PDMS
- HDMS versatile hybrid films via a sol-gel process. Obtained by hydrolyzing TEOS in the presence
of acetic acid and anhydrous ethanol, and a constant temperature of 70 ◦ C for 20 h in a closed
container [66].
Kitsou et al. presented the synthesis of SiO2 @TiO2 core shell nanoparticles modified with
hyperbranched poly(ethylene)imine (HBPEI). HBPEI was added as dispersant to form a think
homogeneous shell of nanostructure. The suspension was kept under magnetic stirring for 24 h
to remove the excess of precursor. Obtaining a shell constituted of pure anatase particles of 7 nm
in diameter in comparison with pure TiO2 , which yields greater particles between 15 and 30 nm
and a mixture of anatase and rutile phases. As a consequence, there was an increment of 2.5 times in
the surface area [67].
Kapridaki et al. present the design and synthesis of a SiO2 –TiO2 coating with PDMS for potential
application in monument conservation due to its optical and hydrophobic properties. An analysis
of X-ray diffraction (XRD) presents the existence of an anatase phase of TiO2 , with a crystallite size
of 5 nm [68]. Continuing with the investigation, Kapridaki et al. studied different concentrations
of oxalic acid. The study exhibits the high importance of oxalic acid as a catalyst during the synthesis,
a crack-free agent over application and a hole-scavenger over photocatalytic properties [69].
On the other hand, Jianeje et al. studied the variation of amounts of PDMS over the SiO2 –TiO2
coating and found that the gelation time decreased as the amount of PDMS increased [70] Furthermore,
over processing of condensation of the PDMS facilitates the increase in the degree of cross
and consequence?a major flexibility [24].
Catalysts 2020, 10, 171 7 of 17

3.2.2. Sonochemistry Coupled Sol-Gel

Sonochemistry is a new technique in the process of polymerization, catalytic chemistry
reaction, synthesis of materials and synthesis of inorganic nanostructure with applications in
science and technology [71,72]. This technique is called “green chemistry”, for the short times
of reactions [73]. Sonochemistry is a process of acoustic cavitation involving the fast growing
and collapse of the microbubbles in liquid media in a very short period, generating hot spots with
temperatures and pressure of around 5000 K and 1000 bar, respectively, with a collapse velocity
of around −1360 m/s [74,75]. The principal reaction occurs inside the bubble. Due to these
extreme conditions organic molecules could be destroyed directly or decomposed with radicals
(− O3 H-, − O2 , OH2 , etc.) formed during the collapse of the microbubble. In new research, the use
of sonochemistry makes a difference in reaction times and exhibits different structural properties [62,71].
Rosales et al. coupled the sol-gel method with sonochemistry for the synthesis of a SiO2 @TiO2 coating.
The aim was to reduce the synthesis time of conventional sol-gel compared to a sonochemistry coupled
method. It was proven that the sonochemistry energy was enough for the crystallization of the anatase
phase of TiO2 given the photocatalytic properties and the preparation of nano and micro roughness for
hydrophobic properties, with the amorphous phase of SiO2 [76].

3.2.3. Hydrothermal
Hydrothermal methods are an important branch of inorganic synthesis. We et al. describes
the hydrothermal synthesis of new materials including single crystals, microporous, complex oxides,
and inorganic-organic hybrid materials [77]. Grover et al. report a simple method of synthesizing
titanium dioxide nano rods via a hydrothermal route using P25 TiO2 as a precursor, obtained TiO2
nanorods were calcined at 500 ◦ C. SiO2 -TiO2 composite was prepared by mixing the previously
obtained TiO2 , SiO2 precursor with ethanol, and concentrated H2 SO4 . The system was refluxed at
80–90 ◦ C for 1 h. The results show a large difference in the surface area, showing major catalytic
activity in the degradation of contaminants such as naphthalene and anthracene with respect to other
catalysts [78]. On the other hand, Zhang et al. present the synthesis of SiO2 @TiO2 hybrid nanoparticles
by a solvothermal method employing tetrabutyl titanate (Ti(OBu)4 ) as a precursor of TiO2 . As a result,
the SiO2 @TiO2 hybrid nanoparticles, presented a core diameter of 437 nm and shell thickness of 50 nm.
The XRD analysis confirm the presence of anatase phase of TiO2 in the shell structure [79]

3.2.4. Chemical Vapor Deposition

Chemical Vapor Demposition (CVD) is currently used for depositing a wide variety of films on
the float glass process in solid thin films. Obtaining a large density, good stoichiometry and uniformity
over a large area. One of the main drawbacks of this method is that it requires a high temperature
to produce high quality materials, and the substrate cannot tolerate being heated [80]. Nevertheless,
it does not require as high a vacuum as some other processing methods, and films can be favorably
deposited even at atmospheric pressure. The description of the deposition of SiO2 –TiO2 using CVD has
rarely been reported. Lee et al. describe the deposition behavior of SiO2 –TiO2 thin films, using CVD
processing and volatile alkoxide precursors. It was found that the process of deposition of SiO2
and TiO2 are not the same, due to disposition of the alkoxide radicals. Furthermore, the refractive
indices of SiO2 –TiO2 thin films were determined with values of 1.5 and 2.3, respectively [81].
A summary of different synthesis methods of SiO2 –TiO2 composites are shown in Table 1.
It is possible to observe that physical and chemical methods differ in equipment and synthesis
conditions, note that physical methods requires sophisticated equipment with rigorous control on
conditions. Furthermore, the resulting morphology and structure of the SiO2 –TiO2 composite can be
tuned easily by applying chemical methods rather than the physical methods which have been
used mostly for layer deposition [82]. Methods such as sputtering and laser ablation allow the
control of the crystallite size, crystalline phase, uniform and thickness of layer of the SiO2 –TiO2
Catalysts 2020, 10, 171 8 of 17

composite, such as Barberio et al.’s work on growing nanoparticles of TiO2 with SiO2 , controlling size,
with a low deviation. On the other hand, the chemical methods are more frequently employed due to
less sophisticated equipment and variable conditions of synthesis, which yields different properties
of the material such as photocatalytic, hydrophobic, high porosity, and antireflectant. These methods
allow the control of the size of the crystal, morphology, structure and dopants or modifiers such
as PDMS [83], HDMS [84], nitrogen [85], among others. Work such as that by as Kapridaki et al.
and Wu et al. synthesized the SiO2 –TiO2 employing the sol-gel methodology with different conditions,
obtaining different morphology, properties and applications.
The different tunable morphology obtained through the different synthesis methods yields
materials with specific physicochemical properties, which can be useful for a particular application.
Figure 3 shows some of the different morphology that can be obtained through the physical
and chemical synthesis methods, particularly, the core-shell morphology is better controlled through
the sol-gel method. However, the versatility of the method allows the obtaining of other morphologies
such as raspberry or nanoparticles. Nevertheless, the sol-gel method is not the only option as these
morphologies can be achieved through hydrothermal synthesis or sonochemical synthesis. On the other
hand, physical methods such as laser ablation are one of the better options when synthesizing thin
films, given the sensibility of the technique that allows better thickness control and particle size.

Figure 3. Morphology of the TiO2 –SiO2 composite.

Table 1. Methods and synthesis of the Si2 -TiO2 composite.

Method Conditions Morphology Crystallite (nm) Reference

Layer by layer 550 ◦ C, 10 h, 1 atm Thin film 3.5–8.4 [86]
Laser Ablation Fluence of 500 mJ/cm2 , pulse of 7 ns, Frequency of 20 Hz Nanoparticles 9–15 [57]
Hydrothermal 200–800 ◦ C, 1 h, reflux Core-Shell 60 [78]
Hydrothermal 500 ◦ C, 36 h Spheres 50 [79]
Sol-gel Centrifuged, 24 h Raspberry 7.9 [87]
Hetero-coagulation Centrifugation Spheres 10 [88]
Sol-gel 550 ◦ C, 14 h Core-Shell 95 [89]
Hydrolysis 350 ◦ C, 8 h Spheres 30 [90]
Sol-gel Magnetic stirring , 25 h Nanoparticles 5 [69]
Sputtering 10 kW DC, 3 kW Plasma sour Nanoparticles 7 [51]
Sonochemistry 30 min, High temperature Nanoparticles 14 [76]
Catalysts 2020, 10, 171 9 of 17

4. Aplications

4.1. Hydrophobicity
Kapridaki et al. reported the application of a SiO2 -TiO2 hybrid coating on marble surfaces.
The marble hydrophobicity enhancement was presented with a 34% decrease of the water vapor
permeability and a reduction of the water capillary coefficient. As a consequence, a notable increment
of the contact angle in the treated surfaces was observed. The application of the coating on the marbles
surfaces was carried out by brushing. The contact angle showed a diminution of 1–2◦ after 20 min
of UV-Vis irradiation [68]. On the other hand, Wu et al. reported an antireflection coating of modified
SiO2 @TiO2 on glass substrates fabricated by using a dip-coating machine. The glass substrates was
coated with urb-hSiO2 @TiO2 , after the coating was dried, a calcination process was carried out at
550 ◦ C for 2 h. The initial CA was 107.9◦ . Afterward, the coated glass substrates were irradiated with
UV light. Results show that with a short time of irradiation the CA was rapidly decreased. After 8.5 h
of irradiation the final CA was 0◦ . This effect is attributed to the photocatalytics properties of TiO2 .
Furthermore, the decrease of the CA is attributed to the degradation of the surface hydrophobic
alkyl chain [87]. Moreover, Mezur et al. determined the wettability of the antireflection SiO2 -TiO2
coating, based on the contact angle measurement. The CA was equal to 91.1◦ and a roughness lower
of 1.4 nm [51].

4.2. Antireflective Properties

Zhang et al. created a double-layered TiO2 -SiO2 nanostructure film with self-cleaning
and antireflection properties. The films were prepared layer-by-layer employing different routes
of synthesis. The results demonstrated that the combined properties of self cleaning and antireflection
could be created in double-layered TiO2 -SiO2 nanostructured films [91]. Previously, Mioa et al.
prepared a SiO2 –TiO2 coatings by depositing double-layers onto glass substrates using a combined
sol-gel dip-coating process in which the two oxide layers were deposited in succession [92].
On the other hand, Ye et al. designed a material of triple-layer broadband abrasion-resistant
and antireflective (AR), employing SiO2 , TiO2 and SiO2 –TiO2 hybrid. Synthesized through the sol-gel
method using TBOT and TEOS as precursors, and employing HDMS to modify the surface of the AR
coatings. The results showed an average transmittance of 98.4% in the visible region and CA variation
in the function of HMDS concentration [93].
Mazur et al. prepared and studied an antireflection multilayer coating, employing a combination
of five TiO2 and SiO2 thin films on glass substrates. The results showed amorphous structures with low
surface roughness. The transmittance in the visible wavelength range was increased after the deposition
of the AR coating as-compared to glass substrate, obtaining transmittances above 97% in the visible
spectrum range with as low a number of layers as possible. Furthermore, the TiO2 layer on the top
is narrower with a thickness of 10 nm, with the purpose of maintaining the high transparency [51].
The recent research of Wu et al. reported that the modification of the SiO2 @TiO2 coating with an organic
chemical compound and under the optimal conditions. The results showed an increase of the average
transmittance and refractive index of 99.04% and 1.218, respectively, in the range of 400–800 nm,
presenting an excellent antireflection performance [87].

4.3. Anti-Fogging
Tricoli et al. synthesized nanofibers of SiO2 and nanoparticles of TiO2 were deposited onto
glass substrates by flame spray pyrolysis of organometallic solutions and stabilized by in situ
flame annealing, finding that the minimal thickness of 200–300 nm of as deposited coatings
or films was necessary to obtain full anti-fogging performance. The in situ annealed coatings
preserved their super-hydrophilicity and anti-fogging functionality after being flushed with water
[94]. Miyauchi et al. fabricated thin films of TiO2 /SiO2 /WO3 , which exhibited excellent
sustainability of the anti-fogging property even in indoor conditions, attributing this property the effect
Catalysts 2020, 10, 171 10 of 17

of photocatalytic oxidation activity and photoinduced hydrophilicity of TiO2 and the hydrophilic
property of SiO2 [95]. Eshaghi et al. researched the thin film of SiO2 /TiO2 /SiO2 deposited on glass
substrates using an electron beam physical vapor deposition technique. The SiO2 /TiO2 /SiO2 film
showed higher transmittance and a lower refractive index in comparison to SiO2 /TiO2 thin film.
They demonstrated that by covering TiO2 thin film with a SiO2 over layer the hydrophilicity
was significantly improved and an anti-fogging effect was obtained. Therefore, they suggest that
SiO2 /TiO2 /SiO2 thin film would be very useful where super-hydrophilicity and an anti-fogging effect
are desired for automobile and optical lens applications [96].

4.4. Photocatalytic Activity

Degg et al. determined the photocatalytic activity of the TiO2 -SiO2 @PDMS hybrid powder by testing
the degradation of the methylene blue colorant, measured in a dyed film and in dyed water solution,
both under UV irradiation (365 nm). The discoloration was completed within 30 min, with a minor
decrease in the CA of 5–6◦ [66]. On the other hand Tang et al. used the sol-gel method to prepare
nano-SiO2 -TiO2 composite fiber and found that the product exhibited the highest photocatalytic activity
when the calcination temperature was 800 ◦ C [97]. Liu et al. used the electrospinning method to prepare
nano-SiO2 -TiO2 composite fiber, presenting high photocatalytic activity [98].
L. Wu et al. used a gaseous detonation method to prepare a composite of SiO2 -TiO2 . The presence
of SiO2 inhibited the growth of TiO2 particles and the transformation from anatase phase into rutile
phase. As a consequence of the thin and uniform amorphous SiO2 layers, that was covering the surface
of TiO2 particles, inhibiting the growth of the particles and phase change of them. Furthermore,
the high presence of amorphous SiO2 layers obstruct the redox reaction between electrons and holes on
the surface of the TiO2 particles, diminishing the photocatalytic activity of the particle, and therefore
the time of degradation of the colorant. Nonetheless, samples with content 5% mol of SiO2 present
anatase phase structure TiO2 particles with an optimal photocatalytic activity, with an average particle
size of 15.3 nm and a specific surface area of 77 m2 /g [99].
Resende et al. prepared a composite of SiO2 -TiO2 particles with low molar ratio between them,
synthesized through a hydrothermal method with a calcination of under 800 ◦ C, the TiO2 particles
showed an anatase-phase structure and high specific surface [100]. On the other hand, Dong et al.
prepared SiO2 –TiO2 nanocomposite with anatase phase of TiO2 nanocrystals and amorphous SiO2
nanoparticles, characteristics for mesoporous structure and high specific surface area and high
photocatalytic activity with a stable repeatability [101]. Kitsou et al. present an optimum core-shell
nanoparticles material that showed a better performance than that of pure titania, that is, 89.71% vs.
88.54% degradation percentage and a higher degradation rate (0.62 vs 0.55 lmicrog/m2 s) [67,102].

4.5. Textile Application

Yuranova et al. investigated the photocatalytic activity of TiO2 –SiO2 coating over cotton
textiles, colored with red wine. The cotton fibers were dip-coated with the mixed colloids of TiO2
and SiO2 . Afterward, a thermal treatment was carried out with the purpose of obtaining high
dispersed TiO2 particles surrounded by amorphous SiO2 . Results showed a better efficiency
of TiO2 –SiO2 -coated cotton samples than TiO2 -coated cotton samples [103]. Moreover, Fakin et al.
synthesized and characterized nanoparticles of TiO2 –SiO2 , with the purpose of being utilized
in functional dyeing as combined reactive dyeing of cotton fabrics [104]. On the other hand,
Veronoski et al. synthesized nanoparticles of TiO2 and applied them to man-made cellulose fibers,
which facilitates the photocatalysis activity [105]. Pakdel et al. functionalized wool fabrics
using TiO2 /SiO2 nanocomposites through a low-temperature sol-gel method. The self-cleaning
and hydrophilicity properties were evaluated in wool fabrics through the removal of coffee stains
under UV irradiation [106]. Carrying on with the research led to the functionalization of cotton fabrics
with TiO2 /SiO2 , yielding a synergistic function with the SiO2 with the properties of TiO2 [107].
Catalysts 2020, 10, 171 11 of 17

Other research modified the composite with organic chemical compounds or inorganic
compounds. Deng et al. obtained a TiO2 –SiO2 suspension with PDMS, which was applied to
a polyester-cotton fabric with the purpose of obtaining flexibility, low-toxicity and a high contact angle
in the coating. Results showed the initial CA was 158◦ and the SA was 4◦ . Afterward, the coated fabrics
were tested to determine the washing durability and abrasion resistance; the diminution of the CA
was of 10◦ . Finally, after being attacked by strong basic the CA diminution was 32◦ less. However,
the analysis of TEM did not show morphology change [66]. Xu et al. prepared a coating of SiO2 -TiO2
modified with Methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMS). The cotton fabrics coated with the TiO2 –SiO2
composite particles exhibit simultaneous superhydrophobicity and a photocatalytic self-cleaning
property [108]. Landi et al. studied the photocatalytic ability of SiO2 -TiO2 and SiO2 -TiO2 -HY
(zeolite) coated textile substrates. Photocatalytic activity was evaluated by monitoring, over time,
the degradation of Rhodamine B dye (RhB), a typical textile industry pollutant [109].
The properties and applications of the TiO2 –SiO2 composite are shown in Table 2. It is possible
to observe that one of the most exploited properties of the TiO2 –SiO2 composite is the photocatalytic
property, regardless of the substrate, namely, mortar, marbel, glass, or suspension due to the flexibility
to adapt with the SiO2 [110]. The TiO2 –SiO2 composite with photocatalytic properties present other
properties such as antireflective and hydrophobic, the latter is normally complicated to achieve due
to the nature of TiO2 [111]. Authors such as Deeg et al. and Deng et al. tested the photocatalytic
activity under UV-Vis irradiation, keeping a high contact angle modifying the TiO2 –SiO2 composite
with PDMS. On the other hand, the high antireflective and hydrophobic properties are usually desired
for glass substrates [112]. Ye et al. obtained a material with a trasmittance of 98.4% and hydrophobic,
by modifying the TiO2 –SiO2 composite with HDMS. In the case of textile fibers, properties such
as photocatalytic, hydrophobic and abrasion resistance are wanted for research, such as that by
Pakdel et al. and Veronoski et al.

Table 2. Properties of the SiO2 –TiO2 composite.

Substrate Properties Contact Angle Photocatalytic Activity Reference

Glass Hydrophilic, Anti-reflective, Transparent Anti-fogging 16.7–10.6 ◦ C – [86]
Suspension Photocatalytic – 73% [78]
Suspension Photocatalytic – 66% [79]
Glass Hydrophobic Transmittance 107◦ – [87]
Suspension Self-cleaning – 10% [88]
Mortar Photocatalytic – 100% [89]
Glass Transmittance, Self-cleaning, photocatalytic 31-34◦ – [90]
Mortar, Glass Transmittance, self-cleaning 97◦ 70.5% [76]
Marbel Hydrophobic, Photocatalytic 104◦ – [69]
Cotton fabrics Hydrophobic, Photocatalytic 160.5◦ – [108]

5. Conclusions
The diversity of physical and chemical synthesis methodologies allow us to obtain different
morphologies, crystalline phases, and properties. Chemical methods offer a greater flexibility
of synthesis with less stringent conditions. However, physical methods offer a control over thickness
and uniformity layer by layer. TiO2 and SiO2 are typical optical thin films that exhibit high
transparency and low absorption in the visible and near infrared wavelength range, but with a
different reflection index.
Although SiO2 does not exhibit photocatalytic properties, its high porosity and large specific
surface area makes it suitable as an adsorbent. As a consequence, an increase of reactant concentration
on the TiO2 surface can be assessed, improving the photocatalytic activity of TiO2 . Moreover,
the presence of SiO2 has a positive effect on the enlargement of TiO2 specific surface area. It also
inhibits the phase change and grain growth of TiO2 and, overall, it contributes to the enhancement
of the photocatalytic activity of TiO2 , confirming the synergistic role of silica in this type of composite
and in different substrates.
Catalysts 2020, 10, 171 12 of 17

The hydrophobic properties of the composite SiO2 -TiO2 are of great interest for researchers in
the field, however, the contribution of TiO2 decreases these properties, yielding a low contact angle.
Nevertheless, the addition of different compounds, such as PDMS or HDMS have proven to increase
the contact angle and therefore the hydrophobic properties.
The applications of the SiO2 -TiO2 composite over different surfaces with notable roughness
between substrates, such as textiles, mortar, glass or marble, is made possible due to the methods
of synthesis, which offer different conditions of synthesis and allow us to add additives that chemically
modify the surface and improve the properties of interest thus making it a tunable composite with
a wide variety of applications.

Author Contributions: Conceptualization, Writing—Review and Editing, K.E.; Writing—Original Draft

Preparation, A.R. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
Funding: FOFI-UAQ-2018.
Acknowledgments: CONACyT for scholar ship granted and to the FOFI-UAQ 2018 for the financial support.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Abbreviations
The following abbreviations are used in this manuscript:

TiO2 Titanium dioxide

SiO2 Silicon dioxide
TEOS Tetraethyl orthosilicate
EtOH Ethanol
CO2 Dioxide carbon
H2 SO4 Sulfuric acid
PDMS Polydimetil siloxane
HMDS Hexamethyldisiloxane
HBPEI Poly(ethylene)imine
MTMS Methyltrimethoxysilane
(Ti(OBu)4 ) Tetrabutyl titanate
H2 0 Water destilate
TTIP Titanium tetraisopropoxide
RhB Rhodamine B
XRD Diffraction X-Ray
SEM Scanning Electron Microscopy
AFM Atomic Force Microscopy
CVD Chemical Vapor Deposition
CA Contact Angle
SA Sliding Angle

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