Technical Specifications:
- Chemical Composition:
- Primary Ingredient: Titanium Dioxide (TiO2)
- Crystal Structure: Anatase (known for its high photocatalytic activity compared to other forms such as rutile)
- Purity: 99.5% (high purity with minimal impurities)
- Nanoparticle Size:
- Particle Size: 40 nm (nanometers)
- Particle Shape: Typically spherical or irregular, depending on the synthesis method.
- Surface Area:
- The nanopowder possesses a high surface area due to the small particle size, which enhances its reactivity and makes it suitable for use in photocatalysis and other applications requiring high reactivity.
- Density:
- The nanopowder has a relatively low apparent density compared to bulk titanium dioxide due to its fine size and porous nature.
- Other Characteristics:
- Color: Titanium dioxide in anatase form is typically white or off-white, although this can vary slightly depending on the synthesis conditions.
- Reactivity: TiO2 nanoparticles are highly reactive due to their high surface area, making them ideal for photocatalytic processes and other chemical applications.
- Band Gap: TiO2 (anatase) has a wide band gap, allowing it to be used effectively in photocatalytic applications under UV light.
Applications:
- Photocatalysis:
- Purpose: TiO2, especially in its anatase form, is one of the most efficient photocatalysts when exposed to UV light.
- Application: TiO2 nanoparticles are widely used in environmental applications, such as the degradation of pollutants in water and air. Under UV light, TiO2 breaks down organic pollutants, pesticides, and other harmful substances in wastewater treatment and air purification systems. It is also used in self-cleaning surfaces, where UV light activates the TiO2 to break down contaminants and dirt.
- Solar Cells:
- Purpose: TiO2 nanoparticles are used in solar energy applications, particularly for their ability to absorb UV light and enhance energy conversion.
- Application: TiO2 is a key material in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), where it functions as the semiconductor. The high surface area of the 40 nm TiO2 nanoparticles improves the adsorption of the dye, leading to improved efficiency in solar cells, which can be used in renewable energy applications.
- Sunscreens and Cosmetics:
- Purpose: TiO2 is effective at blocking UV radiation, making it essential for use in sunscreens and other skincare products.
- Application: TiO2 nanoparticles are added to sunscreens to provide broad-spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB radiation. Its ability to reflect and scatter UV rays helps protect the skin from sunburns and other UV-induced skin damage. It is also used in cosmetics, such as foundations and face powders, for its UV-blocking properties.
- Antibacterial Coatings:
- Purpose: Titanium dioxide has photocatalytic antibacterial properties, especially when exposed to UV light.
- Application: TiO2 nanoparticles are used in antibacterial coatings for medical, food, and public spaces. When exposed to UV light, TiO2 can kill bacteria and other microorganisms, making it useful for sterilization applications in hospitals, public areas, and food processing environments.
- Environmental Remediation:
- Purpose: TiO2’s photocatalytic properties make it highly effective in breaking down toxic organic compounds, making it useful for environmental cleanup.
- Application: TiO2 nanoparticles are utilized in wastewater treatment, air purification, and the degradation of pollutants in both industrial and residential settings. TiO2 helps break down harmful compounds such as pesticides, organic dyes, and other toxic chemicals, improving environmental quality.
- Paints and Coatings:
- Purpose: TiO2 is widely used as a white pigment in paints, coatings, and plastics due to its high opacity, brightness, and durability.
- Application: TiO2 nanoparticles are incorporated into paints and coatings to provide excellent whiteness, opacity, and resistance to UV radiation. It is commonly used in outdoor coatings, automotive paints, and industrial applications due to its ability to protect surfaces from UV degradation.
- Energy Storage:
- Purpose: TiO2 nanoparticles are being explored as electrode materials for energy storage devices, owing to their stability and conductivity.
- Application: TiO2 is used in lithium-ion batteries, supercapacitors, and other energy storage devices. The high surface area of TiO2 nanoparticles enhances charge capacity and stability, making it ideal for high-performance energy storage applications.
- Optical Devices:
- Purpose: TiO2 has a high refractive index, making it suitable for various optical and photonic applications.
- Application: TiO2 nanoparticles are used in optical coatings, lenses, mirrors, and photonic devices. Their ability to manipulate light and their durability make them valuable in optical filters, anti-reflective coatings, and other light-manipulating technologies.
- Hydrogen Production (Water Splitting):
- Purpose: TiO2 is studied for its ability to split water into hydrogen and oxygen under UV light, providing a method for clean hydrogen production.
- Application: TiO2 nanoparticles are employed in photocatalytic water splitting systems to produce hydrogen, which is a clean and renewable energy source. This process is a promising avenue for sustainable hydrogen fuel production.
- Air Purification:
- Purpose: TiO2 nanoparticles are useful in air purification systems due to their photocatalytic properties to degrade air pollutants.
- Application: TiO2 is employed in air purifiers and filtration systems to remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and other pollutants. TiO2 helps improve indoor air quality and is used in both commercial and residential applications.
Key Benefits:
- High Photocatalytic Efficiency: The anatase form of TiO2 is highly effective in photocatalytic applications, such as environmental cleanup, self-cleaning surfaces, and water purification.
- UV Protection: TiO2 nanoparticles provide excellent UV protection, making them essential for sunscreens, cosmetics, and UV-blocking coatings.
- Environmental Friendliness: TiO2 is non-toxic, stable, and environmentally friendly, making it an ideal material for sustainable applications, such as air and water purification.
- High Surface Area: The 40 nm size of TiO2 nanoparticles ensures a high surface area, enhancing its effectiveness in photocatalysis, energy storage, and other applications that require increased reactivity.
- Durability and Stability: TiO2 nanoparticles are chemically stable, durable, and long-lasting, which ensures the reliability and longevity of products like coatings, solar cells, and photocatalytic materials.
- Versatile Applications: TiO2 nanoparticles are employed across a wide range of industries, including energy, environmental protection, healthcare, electronics, and coatings, making them a valuable material in modern technology.