TiO2–SiO2 nanocomposite via a novel sol-gel method with the addition of an energy monitoring device: Synthesized, characterization and anti-bacterial applications

The present paper successfully employs a modified sol-gel method to synthesize TiO2–SiO2 nanocomposites. By incorporating a hygrometer and energy monitoring devices, we achieved real-time monitoring of the drying process and optimized temperature control. Energy consumption during the drying process was observed, revealing that higher temperatures result in shorter drying times. The lowest energy consumption was recorded at 80 °C, while the optimal temperature, obtained from the conversion of the optimization diagram, occurred at 77 °C. Characterization was performed using different tools such as XRD, FT-IR analysis, XPS, FE-SEM-EDS, and HRTEM to determine the size and distribution of elements, crystal structure, and chemical bonds. Furthermore, an anti-bacterial test was conducted, revealing that the nanocomposite exhibited superior antibacterial properties against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Meeting the required standards, the TiO2–SiO2 nanocomposite produced by this method shows the potential to create a cleaner and more efficient environment in medical and industrial applications. © 2024 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l.