I've made thin films of TiO2 / PVA conjugated structures by making a Titanium Butoxide / TFA xerogel, dissolving this in dH2O, then separately dissolving PVA in dH2O, then adding the TiO2 solution to the PVA solution. I autoclaved this mixture for 3hrs at 150deg C then cast onto glass. Problem was, the thin film was not stable in water when using to breakdown methylene blue in an aqueous solution and broke apart. I want to crosslink with PEG to make a stable hydrogel but instead of encapsulating TiO2 nanopowder within the gel (not good enough photocatalytically), I want to conjugate the anatase onto the PVA via a solvothermal method. My problem is, when I heat the solution to add the PEG, it straight away starts to solidify and become uncastable. If I mix up a solution of PVA and PEG, then cool and add the dissolved xerogel solution and autoclave, I believe it will either crosslink too early, or the autoclave will destroy the PEG and possibly form formic acid destroying my chance to cast a hydrogel. Any ideas or theories on how I can achieve a PVA hydrogel with anatase tio2 conjugated structures (aim to get the TiO2 to the surface of the hydrogel)?
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