What is titanium dioxide?

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is recognized for its wide-ranging utility in various eco-friendly applications owing to its unique properties.

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When employed as a coating for buildings in warm and tropical regions, the reflective white properties of titanium dioxide can significantly cut down energy consumption by diminishing the reliance on air conditioning.

Furthermore, its opaque nature allows for thinner applications, enhancing resource efficiency and minimizing waste.

As a potent photocatalyst, titanium dioxide can be incorporated into a variety of materials, including paints, cement, glass, and ceramics, to aid in decomposing harmful pollutants. In its nanoparticle form, TiO2 also plays a crucial role in DeNOx systems for vehicles and power plants, thereby reducing their environmental footprint.

Ongoing research is unveiling novel applications for titanium dioxide, particularly in the realm of clean energy production.

As a photocatalyst, TiO2 has the capability to facilitate hydrolysis, which breaks water into hydrogen and oxygen, enabling the use of the extracted hydrogen as a fuel source.

Additionally, certain types of solar power cells, known as Grätzel cells, utilize nano titanium dioxide to convert solar energy through a process resembling photosynthesis observed in plants.

For a deeper understanding of these applications, you can explore further information on the uses of titanium dioxide.

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Titanium dioxide, which was first synthesized over a century ago, is crucial in various industries due to its inert chemical properties, affordability, and availability. This white mineral is utilized extensively in photocatalysis as well as in the pharmaceutical and food processing sectors. Its versatility arises from its functional characteristics as both a semiconductor and a light scatterer. Understanding the optical properties of titanium dioxide is essential for comprehending its role in different applications.

1. Introduction to Titanium Dioxide

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) represents a white powder that is widely recognized for its roles in purifying water and food, assuring both safety for the environment and industry while providing protection against harmful radiation for the skin.

1.1 Polymorphism of Titanium Dioxide

Titanium dioxide manifests in three distinct phases: rutile, anatase, and brookite. These crystal phases take the form of octahedra, with six oxygen anions shared across three titanium (IV) cations, leading to the chemical formula TiO2. Each polymorph exhibits unique crystallinity, shape, structure, density, and refractive index. Rutile showcases superior structural stability, with transitions to this phase during synthesis being uncommon. Conversely, anatase and brookite are metastable and can convert thermally into rutile depending on the mineral's intended industrial use.

1.3 Advances in Nanoarchitecture

Among the top five nanoparticles in industrial use, titanium dioxide nanoparticles are recognized for their extensive versatility as photocatalysts, in pharmaceuticals, processed foods, household products, cosmetics, textiles, paints, and sunscreens. The smaller size of titanium dioxide nanoparticles enhances their catalytic activity due to an enlarged surface area available for reaction.

Recent studies have unveiled promising medicinal applications for photocatalysis using nano-titanium dioxide, with reports indicating efficacy in destroying pulmonary cancer cells. Furthermore, advancements have been documented in nanobiotechnology; "green" synthesis methods using natural extracts for nano-TiO2 fabrication offer safer and cost-effective alternatives to traditional synthetic routes. These enhancements facilitate various beneficial applications, including improved UV protection in sunscreens and preservation of food products.

Given the evolving understanding of titanium dioxide and its implications on health and the environment, this review underscores the need to evaluate its optical properties and potential nanotoxicity.

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