Technical Specifications:
- Chemical Composition:
- Primary Ingredient: Titanium Dioxide (TiO2)
- Crystal Structure: Anatase (one of the polymorphs of TiO2, known for its high surface area and photocatalytic activity)
- Purity: 99.5% (high purity with minimal impurities)
- Nanoparticle Size:
- Particle Size: 5 nm (nanometers)
- Particle Shape: Typically spherical or irregular, depending on the synthesis method.
- Surface Area:
- Due to its small particle size, TiO2 nanoparticles exhibit a very high surface area, which is beneficial for various applications, particularly in catalysis and photocatalysis.
- Density:
- The nanopowder has a relatively low density compared to bulk titanium oxide, owing to its nanoscale size and porous nature.
- Other Characteristics:
- Color: Titanium dioxide in its anatase form is typically white or off-white, although the appearance can be influenced by the particle size and synthesis conditions.
- Reactivity: TiO2 nanoparticles are highly reactive due to their large surface area, making them suitable for applications in photocatalysis and other chemical processes.
- Band Gap: TiO2 (anatase) has a wide band gap, which allows it to absorb UV light and be used in photocatalytic applications.
Applications:
- Photocatalysis:
- Purpose: Titanium dioxide, especially in its anatase form, is highly effective in photocatalysis due to its ability to absorb UV light and facilitate various chemical reactions.
- Application: TiO2 nanoparticles are widely used in environmental applications for the degradation of pollutants. This includes the removal of organic contaminants from water and air, and in the purification of wastewater. It is also used in self-cleaning surfaces, where UV light activates the TiO2, breaking down organic dirt and contaminants.
- Solar Cells:
- Purpose: TiO2 nanoparticles are used in solar energy applications due to their excellent light absorption and photocatalytic properties.
- Application: TiO2 (anatase) is used in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) and other types of solar cells, where it serves as a semiconductor material. The high surface area of the nanoparticles allows for better dye adsorption and, in turn, enhances the cell’s overall efficiency.
- Sunscreens and Cosmetics:
- Purpose: Due to its UV-blocking properties, TiO2 is widely used in sunscreens and cosmetics.
- Application: TiO2 nanoparticles are added to sunscreens to provide protection against harmful UV radiation. It acts as a physical sunscreen agent, reflecting and scattering UV light. It is also used in various cosmetic products like foundation and face powders to provide a smooth texture and UV protection without leaving visible residues.
- Antibacterial Coatings:
- Purpose: Titanium dioxide exhibits photocatalytic antibacterial properties when exposed to UV light.
- Application: TiO2 nanoparticles are used in the development of antibacterial coatings for surfaces in hospitals, public spaces, and food processing plants. Under UV light, TiO2 can kill bacteria, making it useful in maintaining sterile environments.
- Environmental Remediation:
- Purpose: TiO2 is used in the remediation of polluted water and air due to its photocatalytic properties.
- Application: TiO2 nanoparticles are used in the degradation of harmful organic compounds and pollutants in wastewater treatment, helping to purify water by breaking down pesticides, herbicides, and other toxic chemicals. It is also applied in air purifiers for the removal of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
- Paints and Coatings:
- Purpose: Titanium dioxide is a widely used pigment in paints, coatings, and plastics due to its brightness and opacity.
- Application: TiO2 nanoparticles are used as a white pigment in paints and coatings to provide excellent opacity, brightness, and durability. It also enhances the UV resistance of the coatings, making it suitable for outdoor applications like automotive coatings and exterior paints.
- Energy Storage:
- Purpose: TiO2 nanoparticles are explored for use in energy storage devices due to their electrochemical properties.
- Application: TiO2 is used as an electrode material in lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors, where its high surface area improves charge capacity and cycle stability. It is particularly useful in applications requiring long cycle life and high-rate charge/discharge capabilities.
- Electronics and Semiconductors:
- Purpose: TiO2’s semiconducting properties make it useful in various electronic and optoelectronic devices.
- Application: TiO2 nanoparticles are used in semiconductor devices, capacitors, and memory devices due to their high dielectric constant. They are also explored in light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and other optoelectronic applications where UV-light absorption and photocatalytic properties are useful.
- Water Splitting and Hydrogen Production:
- Purpose: TiO2 is studied for its role in water splitting, a process for hydrogen production.
- Application: TiO2 nanoparticles can be used in photocatalytic water splitting systems to generate hydrogen from water when exposed to UV light. This application is important in sustainable energy systems, as it provides a means to produce clean hydrogen fuel.
- Air Purification:
- Purpose: TiO2’s photocatalytic properties allow it to purify the air by breaking down harmful pollutants.
- Application: TiO2 is used in air purifiers and filtration systems to degrade harmful air pollutants, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). It is employed in both commercial and residential applications for improving indoor air quality.
Key Benefits:
- High Photocatalytic Efficiency: The anatase form of TiO2 is known for its high photocatalytic activity under UV light, making it ideal for environmental cleanup, energy production, and self-cleaning surfaces.
- UV Protection: TiO2 nanoparticles are widely used in sunscreens and cosmetics due to their ability to block harmful UV radiation.
- Environmental Friendliness: TiO2 is non-toxic, stable, and environmentally friendly, making it suitable for sustainable applications in pollution control, water purification, and energy production.
- High Surface Area: The 5 nm size of the TiO2 nanoparticles ensures a large surface area, which enhances their effectiveness in catalysis, energy storage, and other applications.
- Durability and Stability: TiO2 nanoparticles are chemically stable and durable, which contributes to their longevity in various applications, such as coatings and photocatalytic processes.
- Versatile Applications: From energy storage and solar cells to environmental remediation and cosmetics, TiO2 nanoparticles have a broad range of applications across diverse industries, making them a valuable material in modern technology.
