Technical Specifications:
- Chemical Composition:
- Primary Ingredient: Titanium Dioxide (TiO2)
- Crystal Structure: Rutile (one of the two most common polymorphs of TiO2, known for its high stability and strong refractive index)
- Purity: 99.9%+ (extremely high purity with minimal impurities)
- Nanoparticle Size:
- Particle Size: 30 nm (nanometers)
- Particle Shape: Typically spherical or irregular depending on the synthesis method.
- Surface Area:
- Due to the nanoscale size, TiO2 nanoparticles have a high surface area, which increases their reactivity and makes them ideal for various applications such as catalysis, coatings, and energy storage.
- Density:
- The nanopowder has a relatively low density compared to bulk titanium dioxide, due to the fine size and porosity associated with nanoparticles.
- Other Characteristics:
- Color: Titanium dioxide in its rutile form is typically white or off-white, though this can vary depending on the particle size and synthesis conditions.
- Reactivity: TiO2 nanoparticles are highly reactive due to their high surface area, making them suitable for use in photocatalysis, coatings, and other reactive applications.
- Band Gap: TiO2 (rutile) has a narrower band gap compared to the anatase form, making it more efficient for certain photocatalytic processes and applications requiring UV light absorption.
Applications:
- Pigments and Coatings:
- Purpose: Titanium dioxide, especially in its rutile form, is widely used as a white pigment due to its high refractive index and opacity.
- Application: TiO2 is used extensively in the production of paints, coatings, plastics, and paper products. It provides excellent opacity, brightness, and durability, and helps in enhancing UV resistance and protection from corrosion. It is used in automotive coatings, industrial coatings, and architectural paints.
- Photocatalysis:
- Purpose: TiO2 is an effective photocatalyst, especially under UV light, for degrading organic pollutants and contaminants.
- Application: TiO2 nanoparticles are used in environmental remediation, such as water and air purification, where they help break down toxic substances, including pesticides, dyes, and other harmful chemicals. They are also used in self-cleaning surfaces and in the production of hydrogen through photocatalytic water splitting.
- Energy Storage:
- Purpose: TiO2 is being explored as an electrode material for energy storage applications due to its stability and good conductivity.
- Application: TiO2 nanoparticles are used in lithium-ion batteries, supercapacitors, and other energy storage devices. The high surface area of 30 nm TiO2 enhances the charge and discharge efficiency, cycle stability, and overall capacity of these devices.
- UV Protection:
- Purpose: TiO2’s excellent UV-blocking ability makes it a key ingredient in sunscreens and UV protective coatings.
- Application: TiO2 nanoparticles are used in sunscreens to protect against both UVA and UVB radiation. It is also incorporated into cosmetics and other personal care products for its UV-blocking properties, helping prevent skin damage from the sun.
- Antibacterial and Antiviral Coatings:
- Purpose: TiO2 exhibits photocatalytic antibacterial properties when exposed to UV light, which can be used for sterilization and disinfecting applications.
- Application: TiO2 nanoparticles are applied in antibacterial and antiviral coatings for medical equipment, public spaces, and food processing areas. Under UV light, TiO2 can kill bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms, providing a clean and sterile environment.
- Optical Devices:
- Purpose: TiO2’s high refractive index and stability make it useful in various optical applications.
- Application: TiO2 nanoparticles are used in the development of optical lenses, mirrors, and filters, as well as in photonic devices. Its strong refractive properties allow for efficient light manipulation, making it ideal for optical coatings, anti-reflective films, and other optical components.
- Hydrogen Production (Water Splitting):
- Purpose: TiO2 is studied for its role in photocatalytic water splitting, a process to generate clean hydrogen fuel from water.
- Application: TiO2 nanoparticles are used in photocatalytic water splitting systems to produce hydrogen when exposed to UV light. This method is considered a promising approach to producing renewable hydrogen fuel for use in fuel cells and other energy applications.
- Air Purification:
- Purpose: TiO2’s photocatalytic properties allow it to degrade harmful air pollutants, making it useful in air purification.
- Application: TiO2 is employed in air purification systems to break down volatile organic compounds (VOCs), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and other indoor air pollutants. It is commonly used in air purifiers, filtration systems, and indoor air quality improvement systems.
- Environmental Remediation:
- Purpose: Due to its ability to degrade organic pollutants, TiO2 is highly effective in environmental cleanup.
- Application: TiO2 is used in the degradation of industrial effluents, wastewater treatment, and removal of contaminants from soil and water. The high photocatalytic activity of TiO2 under UV light makes it ideal for these applications.
- Electronics and Semiconductors:
- Purpose: TiO2 is used in electronics and semiconductors due to its semiconductor properties and stability.
- Application: TiO2 nanoparticles are used in various electronic components, including capacitors, resistors, and sensors. TiO2 is also explored for use in optoelectronic devices like photodiodes and solar cells.
Key Benefits:
- High Refractive Index: Rutile TiO2 has a high refractive index, making it an ideal material for optical applications, such as in lenses, mirrors, and coatings that require efficient light manipulation.
- Photocatalytic Activity: TiO2 exhibits excellent photocatalytic properties, particularly under UV light, making it ideal for applications in pollution control, self-cleaning surfaces, and environmental remediation.
- UV Protection: TiO2 is effective at blocking both UVA and UVB radiation, making it essential in sunscreens, cosmetics, and UV-blocking coatings.
- Durability and Stability: Rutile TiO2 is chemically stable, non-toxic, and durable, which ensures its long-lasting performance in coatings, pigments, and energy storage devices.
- Versatile Applications: TiO2 nanoparticles are widely used in diverse industries including energy, healthcare, environmental protection, and electronics, making them an essential material for modern technology.
