Technical Specifications:
- Chemical Composition:
- Primary Ingredient: Titanium Dioxide (TiO2)
- Crystal Structure: Rutile (one of the most stable and widely used polymorphs of TiO2, known for its high refractive index and good conductivity)
- Purity: 99.9%+ (high purity with minimal impurities)
- Nanoparticle Size:
- Particle Size: 100 nm (nanometers)
- Particle Shape: Typically spherical or irregular depending on the synthesis method.
- Surface Area:
- The nanopowder has a relatively low surface area compared to smaller TiO2 nanoparticles due to the larger size (100 nm). However, it still maintains high reactivity and efficiency in specific applications such as catalysis and UV absorption.
- Density:
- The nanopowder has a density that is closer to bulk titanium dioxide, although it remains lower compared to its solid counterpart due to the nanostructured form.
- Other Characteristics:
- Color: Titanium dioxide in rutile form is typically white, with slight variations in color depending on particle size and synthesis process.
- Reactivity: TiO2 nanoparticles exhibit reactivity due to their surface area, making them suitable for photocatalytic processes and other chemical reactions.
- Band Gap: Rutile TiO2 has a smaller band gap compared to anatase TiO2, making it more efficient in certain applications that require UV light absorption.
Applications:
- Pigments and Coatings:
- Purpose: TiO2 is one of the most widely used white pigments due to its high opacity, brightness, and resistance to UV light degradation.
- Application: TiO2 nanoparticles are used in paints, coatings, plastics, and paper products. In its rutile form, TiO2 provides superior durability and opacity. It is commonly used in automotive coatings, industrial coatings, and architectural paints to prevent fading from UV exposure.
- Photocatalysis:
- Purpose: TiO2, particularly in its rutile form, is widely used as a photocatalyst due to its ability to absorb UV light and promote various chemical reactions.
- Application: TiO2 nanoparticles are used in the degradation of organic pollutants, such as pesticides and dyes, in water and air purification. It is also used in self-cleaning surfaces, where UV light activates TiO2 to break down contaminants. TiO2 is a key material for photocatalytic hydrogen production (water splitting) as a clean energy source.
- UV Protection:
- Purpose: TiO2 provides excellent protection from harmful UV radiation, making it an essential ingredient in sunscreens and other UV-blocking products.
- Application: TiO2 nanoparticles are incorporated into sunscreens to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. It is also used in cosmetics, foundations, and other personal care products to provide broad-spectrum UV protection and prevent skin damage.
- Antibacterial and Antiviral Coatings:
- Purpose: TiO2 nanoparticles exhibit photocatalytic antibacterial properties when exposed to UV light, helping to kill harmful microorganisms.
- Application: TiO2 is used in antibacterial coatings for medical devices, food processing areas, hospitals, and public spaces. The photocatalytic properties of TiO2 enable it to break down bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens when exposed to UV light, ensuring a sanitized environment.
- Energy Storage:
- Purpose: TiO2 is utilized as an electrode material for energy storage devices due to its chemical stability and high surface area.
- Application: TiO2 nanoparticles are used in lithium-ion batteries, supercapacitors, and other energy storage devices. The 100 nm TiO2 helps improve the charge capacity, cycling stability, and overall performance of energy storage devices, making them suitable for use in high-performance applications.
- Optical Devices:
- Purpose: TiO2 has a high refractive index and is used in optical applications that require efficient light manipulation.
- Application: TiO2 nanoparticles are incorporated into optical coatings, lenses, and mirrors. They are also used in photonic devices like filters and optical sensors, where the ability to manipulate light is crucial.
- Air Purification:
- Purpose: TiO2’s photocatalytic properties allow it to break down harmful air pollutants, making it useful in air purification.
- Application: TiO2 is used in air purification systems to degrade volatile organic compounds (VOCs), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and other indoor air pollutants. TiO2 is found in air purifiers and industrial air treatment systems.
- Environmental Remediation:
- Purpose: TiO2 is effective in the degradation of toxic organic compounds, making it useful for environmental cleanup.
- Application: TiO2 nanoparticles are used in the purification of water and soil by breaking down organic contaminants. Its photocatalytic activity makes it ideal for treating industrial wastewater, removing organic pollutants, and improving environmental quality.
- Hydrogen Production (Water Splitting):
- Purpose: TiO2 is studied for its potential to split water into hydrogen and oxygen using UV light, offering a method for sustainable hydrogen production.
- Application: TiO2 nanoparticles are used in photocatalytic water splitting systems to produce hydrogen. This process is seen as a promising approach for generating clean hydrogen fuel that can be used in fuel cells and other renewable energy applications.
- Semiconductors and Electronics:
- Purpose: TiO2’s semiconductor properties make it suitable for use in a variety of electronic and optoelectronic devices.
- Application: TiO2 nanoparticles are used in sensors, semiconductors, and photodetectors. Due to its stability and photocatalytic properties, it is also used in optoelectronic devices such as diodes, capacitors, and photodetectors.
Key Benefits:
- High Refractive Index: Rutile TiO2 offers a high refractive index, which is ideal for optical applications like lenses, mirrors, and optical coatings.
- Photocatalytic Efficiency: TiO2 is a highly efficient photocatalyst, particularly under UV light, making it effective in applications like water and air purification, self-cleaning surfaces, and hydrogen production.
- UV Protection: TiO2 provides excellent protection from UV radiation, making it an essential ingredient in sunscreens, cosmetics, and UV-blocking coatings.
- Durability and Stability: Rutile TiO2 is chemically stable, non-toxic, and durable, ensuring long-lasting performance in applications like coatings, energy storage, and environmental remediation.
- Versatile Applications: TiO2 nanoparticles are used across various industries including energy, healthcare, electronics, environmental protection, and coatings, making it a valuable material in modern technologies.
