Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) is often used in self-cleaning coatings due to its photocatalytic properties. A research team led by Hongzhang Deng and Bo Xiao has now developed a method to specifically modify TiO₂ films and thus significantly increase their self-cleaning potential. The researchers used a two-step chemical modification with silane (KH550) and maleic anhydride to introduce carboxyl groups onto the TiO₂ surface. Event tip: Modern Functional Coatings – Self-Healing, Anti-Ice and BeyondOn 29 October 2025, the European Coatings seminar Modern Functional Coatings: Self-Healing, Anti-Ice and Beyond will take place online. : Enhanced properties of TiO₂-based self-cleaning films through surface modification with silane/maleic anhydride, Journal of Sol-Gel Science and Technology, Volume 114, Pages 679–690, (2025).