A uniform and TiO2 nanoparticle coating on steels has been prepared using sol–gel method
and hydrothermal post-treatments. The morphology and structure of the coatings were
analysed using atomic force microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The anticorrosion
performances of the coatings in dark and under ultraviolet illumination have been evaluated
by using electrochemical techniques. The influences of coating thickness, pH and NaCl
concentration on corrosion protection have been examined as well. The results indicate that …