Technical Specifications:
- Chemical Composition:
- Primary Ingredient: Titanium Dioxide (TiO2)
- Crystal Structure: Rutile (one of the most stable forms of TiO2, known for its high refractive index and good conductivity)
- Purity: 99.9% (high purity with minimal impurities)
- Nanoparticle Size:
- Particle Size: 150 nm (nanometers)
- Particle Shape: Typically spherical or irregular depending on the synthesis method.
- Surface Area:
- The nanopowder has a relatively lower surface area compared to smaller nanoparticles due to the larger size (150 nm). However, it still retains a degree of reactivity, especially in applications requiring structural or UV absorption properties.
- Density:
- The nanopowder has a density closer to that of bulk titanium dioxide, but is still slightly lower than bulk TiO2 due to the fine nanoparticle size.
- Other Characteristics:
- Color: Titanium dioxide in rutile form is typically white or off-white.
- Reactivity: While less reactive compared to smaller TiO2 nanoparticles, it still maintains photocatalytic properties and is utilized in several reactive applications.
- Band Gap: Rutile TiO2 has a narrower band gap compared to anatase TiO2, making it effective in certain photocatalytic processes under UV light.
Applications:
- Pigments and Coatings:
- Purpose: TiO2 is widely used as a white pigment due to its high opacity, brightness, and excellent durability against UV light degradation.
- Application: TiO2 is used in paints, coatings, plastics, and paper products, particularly where high durability, opacity, and UV protection are required. It is commonly applied in automotive coatings, architectural paints, and industrial coatings.
- Photocatalysis:
- Purpose: TiO2, especially in its rutile form, can function as a photocatalyst under UV light, breaking down organic pollutants and contaminants.
- Application: TiO2 nanoparticles are used in environmental applications for air and water purification. These nanoparticles can degrade toxic organic compounds and pollutants when exposed to UV light, making them valuable for wastewater treatment and air cleaning technologies. TiO2 is also applied in self-cleaning surfaces.
- UV Protection:
- Purpose: TiO2 provides excellent UV-blocking properties, essential for sun protection in various personal care products.
- Application: TiO2 nanoparticles are used in sunscreens, cosmetics, and personal care products to protect the skin from harmful UVA and UVB radiation. TiO2’s ability to scatter and absorb UV radiation makes it an important component in these products.
- Antibacterial Coatings:
- Purpose: TiO2 exhibits photocatalytic antibacterial properties, which can be activated under UV light to break down bacteria and other pathogens.
- Application: TiO2 is used in antibacterial coatings for medical devices, food processing areas, hospital surfaces, and public spaces. The photocatalytic activity of TiO2 under UV light helps to sterilize surfaces and eliminate harmful microorganisms.
- Energy Storage:
- Purpose: TiO2 is used in energy storage devices for its stability and conductivity.
- Application: TiO2 nanoparticles are used in lithium-ion batteries, supercapacitors, and other energy storage devices to improve charge capacity, cycle stability, and overall performance. These applications benefit from the enhanced stability and charge/discharge efficiency of TiO2 in energy storage systems.
- Optical Devices:
- Purpose: TiO2’s high refractive index makes it useful in optical applications, particularly in devices requiring light manipulation.
- Application: TiO2 nanoparticles are used in optical coatings, lenses, mirrors, and photonic devices. Their strong refractive properties make them ideal for applications such as optical filters, anti-reflective coatings, and light-dispersing components in photonic systems.
- Hydrogen Production (Water Splitting):
- Purpose: TiO2 is studied for its potential to split water into hydrogen and oxygen using UV light, providing an alternative clean energy source.
- Application: TiO2 nanoparticles are employed in photocatalytic water splitting systems to generate hydrogen, a sustainable and clean fuel. This technology is being explored for use in green hydrogen production, contributing to renewable energy solutions.
- Air Purification:
- Purpose: TiO2’s photocatalytic properties allow it to break down harmful air pollutants, improving air quality.
- Application: TiO2 is used in air purification systems to degrade volatile organic compounds (VOCs), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and other harmful pollutants in indoor and industrial environments. This helps in maintaining better air quality and reducing toxic contaminants in the air.
- Environmental Remediation:
- Purpose: TiO2’s photocatalytic activity helps in the degradation of toxic organic compounds and pollutants.
- Application: TiO2 nanoparticles are used in various environmental cleanup processes, including wastewater treatment, air purification, and soil remediation. Its photocatalytic properties help to break down harmful substances, making it valuable in pollution control and environmental protection.
- Semiconductors and Electronics:
- Purpose: TiO2 is a semiconductor material with stable electrical and optical properties, making it useful in electronic and optoelectronic devices.
- Application: TiO2 nanoparticles are utilized in sensors, semiconductors, and photodetectors. It is also used in photonic devices like light-emitting diodes (LEDs), solar cells, and capacitors, owing to its stability and photocatalytic activity.
Key Benefits:
- High Refractive Index: Rutile TiO2’s high refractive index is ideal for optical applications such as coatings, lenses, and photonic devices.
- Photocatalytic Properties: TiO2 is highly effective in photocatalytic applications, particularly in environmental remediation, self-cleaning surfaces, and hydrogen production.
- UV Protection: TiO2 nanoparticles offer strong protection against UV radiation, making them essential in sunscreens, cosmetics, and other UV-blocking applications.
- Durability and Stability: Rutile TiO2 is chemically stable, non-toxic, and durable, which ensures reliable and long-lasting performance in various applications.
- Versatile Applications: TiO2 nanoparticles are employed across numerous industries, including energy, healthcare, environmental protection, and electronics, making them a valuable material in modern technology.