Multi-functional ceramic glazes with nano ZnO/Cu–ZnO incorporation.

The study successfully enabled the creation of ceramic surfaces with multi functionalities, including superhydrophilicity, self-cleaning, antibacterial properties, and photocatalytic activity, by applying a glaze composition rich in nano ZnO/Cu–ZnO and utilizing surface chemistry and unique texturing on porcelain tiles. The tiles, coated with unique glaze compositions, were fired in an industrial furnace and heat treated. The crystalline phases and surface morphology of glazed surfaces were systematically evaluated using XRD, SEM, FT-IR, drop shape analyzer, and surface roughness profilometer. Key-factors affecting the wettability, self-clean ability, photocatalytic activity and antibacterial efficacy were discussed. Adding nano Cu into the glaze mixture that is rich in ZnO improves the evolution of zincite crystals, increases the specific surface energy, decreases surface roughness, provide superhydrophilicity and promotes the antibacterial effectiveness and photocatalytic activity. Superhydrophilic surfaces doped with nano Cu–ZnO display antibacterial characteristics that do not require UV or visible light. The quick achievement of complete self-cleaning, up to 100 %, is due to the presence of nano Cu particles in its structure. Hydrophilicity has the ability to improve the efficiency of photocatalysis. If a surface exhibits superhydrophilic properties, it shows exceptional photocatalytic performance. A surface that is solely photohydrophilic may not maintain self-cleaning. Hydrophilicity may be more important than photocatalysis in the self-cleaning effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]