Tunable structure of TiO deposited by DC magnetron sputtering to adsorb Cr (VI) and Fe (III) from water.

TiO thin films with mixtures of the anatase, rutile, and brookite phases were deposited on glass substrates via magnetron sputtering. Based on XRD and Raman results, the TiO-0.47 and TiO-3.47 films principally contained the brookite phase, while the TiO-1.27 and TiO-2.13 films were primarily anatase. The capacities of the TiO films to adsorb heavy metals were tested with Cr(VI) and Fe(III) solutions, and the maximum Cr(VI) and Fe(III) adsorption capacities were realized with the TiO-0.47 film (334.5 mg/g) and TiO-3.47 film (271.3 mg/g), respectively. SEM‒EDS results revealed the presence of Cr and Fe on the surfaces of the films, thus corroborating the ability of the TiO films to adsorb and remove heavy metals. They are strong candidates for use in wastewater treatment plants.