What Is Titanium Dioxide? What Is It Used For?

Titanium dioxide is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula TiO2. It is a white solid or powdered amphoteric oxide with a molecular weight of 79.866. It is non-toxic, has the best opacity, the best whiteness and brightness, and is considered to be the best white pigment in the world today. This article will deeply analyze the chemical nature, wide application and indispensable role of titanium dioxide in modern society.

I.Characteristics of titanium dioxide

1.Physical properties: Titanium dioxide is a white solid powder with a specific gravity of 4.23, a melting point of 1830℃, a large specific surface area, and crystals in various forms.

2.Chemical properties: Titanium dioxide is a stable compound that does not react with oxygen, water, alkali and many organic systems at room temperature, but has chemical properties such as catalytic oxidation and photocatalytic decomposition under high temperature and ultraviolet rays.

3.Optical properties: The optical properties of titanium dioxide are very outstanding, with high transparency, high refractive index, high reflectivity, high optical absorption and other characteristics. It is an important optical material.

II.Main uses of titanium dioxide
1>Paints and pigments: As the main white pigment, titanium dioxide is widely used in the paint industry, providing excellent hiding power and color stability.
2>Cosmetic ingredients: Due to its non-toxic and UV protection properties, titanium dioxide is widely used as a physical sunscreen in cosmetics.
3>Photocatalyst materials: Titanium dioxide can catalytically degrade organic pollutants under light and is used for air purification and water treatment.
4>Solar cells: As a photoelectric conversion material, titanium dioxide can improve energy conversion efficiency in solar cells and fuel cells.
5>Medical field: Titanium dioxide nanoparticles show great potential in drug delivery and bioimaging.
6>Food additives: Titanium dioxide, as a food additive, has the functions of food coloring, improving food stability, masking bad food odors, improving food sensory properties, and promoting appetite.

III.Preparation method of titanium dioxide
1>Sulfuric acid method: Titanium sulfate is generated by the reaction of sulfuric acid and titanium ore, and then calcined to obtain titanium dioxide.
2>Chlorination method: Use chlorine to react with titanium ore to generate titanium tetrachloride, which is then oxidized to obtain titanium dioxide.
3>Gas phase method: Directly synthesize nano-sized titanium dioxide through gas phase chemical reaction.

IV.Safety issues in the use of titanium dioxide
When using titanium dioxide, you need to pay attention to the following issues:
1.Titanium dioxide is a non-toxic and harmless substance, but long-term inhalation of dust may have adverse effects on the respiratory system.
2.Titanium dioxide powder is flammable, and fire prevention measures should be taken during use.
3.In the catalytic reaction of titanium dioxide, some toxic and harmful substances may be produced, and protective measures should be taken.

Titanium dioxide plays an increasingly important role in modern industry with its excellent chemical and physical properties. From coatings to medicines, from environmental protection to energy, titanium dioxide has a wide range of uses and far-reaching impacts. With the continuous advancement of science and technology, we can foresee that the application of titanium dioxide in the future society will be more diversified and make greater contributions to human development.