Transparent ZnO–SnO$_{2}$ photocatalytic nanocoatings prepared by the polymer–salt method

The structure and properties of transparent ZnO–SnO$_{2}$ photocatalytic coatings formed on glass surfaces by the polymer–salt method are studied. The physical and chemical processes occurring during formation of the coatings are studied by differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction analysis. The structure and optical properties of the obtained thin oxide films are studied by optical spectroscopy, photoluminescence, and scanning electron microscopy. It is shown that the polymer–salt method allows formation of homogeneous and transparent ZnO–SnO$_{2}$ coatings consisting of oxide nanoparticles completely covering the glass substrate surface. It is found that the formed transparent ZnO–SnO$_{2}$ coatings have high photocatalytic properties and can generate singlet oxygen under action of UV radiation.