BML2
BML2
where the powder disperses light – unlike organic UV absorbers – and reduces UV damage, due mostly to the particle's high re-
fractive index.[56]
Research[edit]
Patenting activities[edit]
Relevant patent families describing titanium dioxide production from ilmenite, 2002–2021.
Photocatalyst[edit]
Nanosized titanium dioxide, particularly in the anatase form, exhibits photocatalytic activity under ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. This
photoactivity is reportedly most pronounced at the {001} planes of anatase,[59][60] although the {101} planes are thermodynamically
more stable and thus more prominent in most synthesised and natural anatase,[61] as evident by the often observed tetragonal
dipyramidal growth habit. Interfaces between rutile and anatase are further considered to improve photocatalytic activity by facil-
itating charge carrier separation and as a result, biphasic titanium dioxide is often considered to possess enhanced functionality
as a photocatalyst.[62] It has been reported that titanium dioxide, when doped with nitrogen ions or doped with metal oxide like
tungsten trioxide, exhibits excitation also under visible light.[63] The strong oxidative potential of the positive holes oxidizes wa-
ter to create hydroxyl radicals. It can also oxidize oxygen or organic materials directly. Hence, in addition to its use as a pigment,
titanium dioxide can be added to paints, cements, windows, tiles, or other products for its sterilizing, deodorizing, and anti-foul-
ing properties, and is used as a hydrolysis catalyst. It is also used in dye-sensitized solar cells, which are a type of chemical so-
lar cell (also known as a Graetzel cell).
The photocatalytic properties of nanosized titanium dioxide were discovered by Akira Fujishima in 1967[64] and published in 1972.
[65]
The process on the surface of the titanium dioxide was called the Honda-Fujishima effect [ja].[64] Titanium dioxide, in thin
film and nanoparticle form has potential for use in energy production: as a photocatalyst, it can break water into hydrogen and
oxygen. With the hydrogen collected, it could be used as a fuel. The efficiency of this process can be greatly improved by dop-
ing the oxide with carbon.[66] Further efficiency and durability has been obtained by introducing disorder to the lattice structure of
the surface layer of titanium dioxide nanocrystals, permitting infrared absorption.[67] Visible-light-active nanosized anatase and ru-
tile has been developed for photocatalytic applications.[68][69]
In 1995 Fujishima and his group discovered the superhydrophilicity phenomenon for titanium dioxide coated glass exposed to
sun light.[64] This resulted in the development of self-cleaning glass and anti-fogging coatings.
Nanosized TiO2 incorporated into outdoor building materials, such as paving stones in noxer blocks[70] or paints, could reduce
concentrations of airborne pollutants such as volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides.[71] A TiO2-containing cement has
been produced.[72]
Using TiO2 as a photocatalyst, attempts have been made to mineralize pollutants (to convert into CO2 and H2O) in waste water.[73]
[74][75]
The photocatalytic destruction of organic matter could also be exploited in coatings with antimicrobial applications.[76]
Hydroxyl radical formation[edit]
Although nanosized anatase TiO2 does not absorb visible light, it does strongly absorb ultraviolet (UV) radiation (hv), leading to
the formation of hydroxyl radicals.[77] This occurs when photo-induced valence bond holes (h+vb) are trapped at the surface of
TiO2 leading to the formation of trapped holes (h+tr) that cannot oxidize water.[78]
TiO2 + hv → e− + h+vb
h+vb → h+tr
O2 + e− → O2•−
O2•− + O2•−+ 2 H+ → H2O2 + O2
O2•− + h+vb → O2
O2•− + h+tr → O2
OH− + h+vb → HO•
e− + h+tr → recombination
Note: Wavelength (λ)= 387 nm[78] This reaction has been found to mineralize and decompose undesirable compounds
Nanotubes[edit]
Titanium oxide
nanotubes, SEM image Nanot
ubes of titanium dioxide (TiO -Nt) obtained by electrochemical
2