Technical Specifications:
- Chemical Composition:
- Primary Ingredient: Titanium Dioxide (TiO2)
- Crystal Structure: Anatase (one of the polymorphs of TiO2, known for its higher photocatalytic activity compared to other forms like rutile)
- Purity: 99.98% (ultra-high purity, with very minimal impurities)
- Nanoparticle Size:
- Particle Size: 30 nm (nanometers)
- Particle Shape: Typically spherical or irregular, depending on the synthesis method.
- Surface Area:
- The nanopowder has a high surface area relative to its volume, which enhances the material’s reactivity and makes it ideal for use in photocatalysis, energy storage, and other applications.
- Density:
- TiO2 nanoparticles have a lower density compared to bulk titanium dioxide due to the fine particle size and the increased surface area.
- Other Characteristics:
- Color: Titanium dioxide in anatase form is typically white or off-white, though the appearance may be affected by the nanoparticle size and synthesis conditions.
- Reactivity: TiO2 nanoparticles are highly reactive due to their increased surface area and ability to absorb UV light, which makes them valuable in photocatalytic processes.
- Band Gap: TiO2 (anatase) has a wide band gap, enabling it to perform effectively under UV light for photocatalytic applications.
Applications:
- Photocatalysis:
- Purpose: Titanium dioxide, especially in its anatase form, is one of the most efficient photocatalysts for environmental and chemical applications.
- Application: TiO2 nanoparticles are widely used for the degradation of pollutants in water and air. Under UV light, TiO2 facilitates the breakdown of organic pollutants, pesticides, and other harmful substances in wastewater treatment and air purification systems. Additionally, TiO2 is used in self-cleaning surfaces, where UV light activates it to break down contaminants and dirt.
- Solar Cells:
- Purpose: TiO2 nanoparticles are crucial in solar energy applications due to their ability to absorb UV light and generate electrons for energy conversion.
- Application: TiO2 is a key material in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), where it serves as the semiconductor. The high surface area of 30 nm TiO2 enhances the absorption of light and the efficiency of the solar cell, making it a promising material for renewable energy applications.
- Sunscreens and Cosmetics:
- Purpose: TiO2 provides excellent protection from harmful UV radiation, making it a valuable component in skincare products.
- Application: TiO2 nanoparticles are used in sunscreens to block both UVA and UVB radiation, offering broad-spectrum UV protection. It is also used in cosmetics, such as foundations and face powders, due to its ability to provide a smooth texture and prevent UV damage to the skin.
- Antibacterial Coatings:
- Purpose: Titanium dioxide exhibits photocatalytic antibacterial properties, particularly when exposed to UV light.
- Application: TiO2 nanoparticles are used in antibacterial coatings for medical, food, and public spaces. Under UV light, TiO2 can kill bacteria and viruses, making it a valuable material for sterilization applications in hospitals, public areas, and food processing environments.
- Environmental Remediation:
- Purpose: TiO2’s photocatalytic properties enable it to decompose toxic organic compounds, making it useful for environmental cleanup.
- Application: TiO2 nanoparticles are used for the purification of water and air by breaking down harmful organic pollutants. They are incorporated into filtration systems, environmental cleanup technologies, and advanced oxidation processes to treat polluted water and air in industrial and urban settings.
- Paints and Coatings:
- Purpose: TiO2 is a widely used pigment due to its white color, opacity, and durability.
- Application: TiO2 nanoparticles are commonly used in paints and coatings to enhance their whiteness, opacity, and resistance to UV radiation. The high purity of TiO2 ensures long-lasting and durable finishes in outdoor coatings, automotive paints, and industrial applications.
- Energy Storage:
- Purpose: Titanium dioxide is being explored as an electrode material for energy storage applications due to its high stability and conductivity.
- Application: TiO2 is used in lithium-ion batteries, supercapacitors, and other energy storage devices. The high surface area of the nanoparticles improves the charge and discharge efficiency, capacity, and stability of energy storage systems.
- Optical Devices:
- Purpose: TiO2’s high refractive index makes it useful in optical and photonic applications.
- Application: TiO2 nanoparticles are used in optical coatings, lenses, and mirrors. Their ability to manipulate light makes them useful in creating anti-reflective coatings, optical devices, and photonic crystals.
- Hydrogen Production (Water Splitting):
- Purpose: TiO2 is studied for its ability to perform photocatalytic water splitting to generate hydrogen, a clean energy source.
- Application: TiO2 nanoparticles are used in water splitting systems to produce hydrogen under UV light. This process is a promising approach for sustainable hydrogen production, which can be used as a clean energy carrier in fuel cells and other energy applications.
- Air Purification:
- Purpose: TiO2 nanoparticles are useful in air purification systems due to their photocatalytic ability to degrade air pollutants.
- Application: TiO2 is used in air purifiers and filtration systems to break down volatile organic compounds (VOCs), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and other air pollutants. It is particularly useful in industrial air purification systems and indoor air quality control.
Key Benefits:
- High Photocatalytic Efficiency: The anatase form of TiO2 is one of the most efficient photocatalysts, making it highly effective in applications like water and air purification, self-cleaning surfaces, and environmental remediation.
- UV Protection: TiO2 nanoparticles are highly effective at blocking both UVA and UVB rays, making them a crucial ingredient in sunscreens, cosmetics, and UV-blocking coatings.
- Environmentally Friendly: TiO2 is non-toxic, stable, and highly effective in environmental protection applications, such as pollution control and water purification.
- High Surface Area: The 30 nm size of TiO2 nanoparticles offers a large surface area, enhancing its performance in photocatalysis, energy storage, and other applications requiring high reactivity.
- Durability and Stability: TiO2 nanoparticles are chemically stable and long-lasting, which ensures the longevity and effectiveness of products such as coatings, solar cells, and energy storage devices.
- Versatile Applications: TiO2 nanoparticles are utilized across many industries, including energy, environmental protection, healthcare, electronics, and coatings, making them a valuable material for modern technology.