[Chemical Knowledge]：Properties, uses, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods of titanium oxide, titanium oxide alias

Titanium oxide properties

chemical and physical properties

titanium oxide (TiO₂), usually in the form of a white powder, is a very stable compound. Its chemical properties are relatively inert, not easy to react with other chemical substances. Titanium oxide has excellent corrosion resistance and heat resistance, has a melting point as high as 1855°C, and can maintain stable physical and chemical properties at high temperatures. TiO₂ has a strong ultraviolet absorption capacity and can effectively block ultraviolet radiation, so it is often used in sunscreen products.

crystal structure

titanium oxide mainly has three crystal structures: rutile type (Rutile), anatase type (Anatase) and titanium plate type (Brookite). Among them, rutile type and anatase type are the most common, and the two have different physical properties. The rutile type has a high density and refractive index and is commonly used in pigments and coatings, while the anatase type excels in applications such as photocatalysis and solar cells.

Titanium oxide uses

Pigments and Coatings

due to its high refractive index and bright white color, titanium oxide is the most commonly used white pigment in the world and is widely used in coatings, plastics, rubber and paper. It not only provides excellent hiding power and brightness, but also enhances the durability and UV resistance of the material.

Cosmetics and sunscreen products

titanium oxide is commonly used in sunscreens and other cosmetics because of its high absorption of ultraviolet light. It can effectively block ultraviolet A(UVA) and ultraviolet B(UVB) and protect the skin from photoaging and sunburn.

photocatalyst

in the field of photocatalysis, anatase titanium oxide is widely studied and applied. It can generate electron-hole pairs under ultraviolet light irradiation, thereby catalyzing the decomposition of organic pollutants. This feature makes TiO₂ have important application prospects in environmental protection fields such as water treatment and air purification.

Electronics and Energy

titanium oxide is also used in the manufacture of lithium ion batteries and solar cells. Its unique electronic properties enable it to be used as an electrode material in batteries to improve the energy density and cycle life of batteries. TiO₂ nanomaterials are used as photoelectrode materials in dye-sensitized solar cells to significantly improve photoelectric conversion efficiency.

Titanium oxide upstream and downstream raw materials

Upstream raw materials

the main upstream raw materials for titanium oxide are titanium ores such as rutile, anatase and ilmenite. These ores are subjected to beneficiation, purification and other processes to produce high-purity titanium dioxide. In the production process, sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid is also used for the acid hydrolysis reaction to dissolve the titanium element in the titanium ore.

Production process

the production of titanium oxide mainly uses two processes: sulfuric acid and chlorination. The sulfuric acid process is more traditional and is suitable for low-grade titanium ore, which is produced by decomposing the ore with sulfuric acid and then by precipitation, filtration and roasting. The chlorination process is suitable for high-grade ore, through high-temperature chlorination reaction to generate titanium tetrachloride, and then further oxidation to obtain high-purity TiO₂. Both processes have advantages and disadvantages, and the choice needs to be weighed according to the nature of the raw material and the end use.

Downstream Applications

the downstream applications of titanium oxide cover many fields, including coatings, plastics, paper, cosmetics, electronics, etc. Each field has different requirements for the purity, particle size and crystal type of TiO, and manufacturers need to customize production according to customer needs. With the improvement of environmental awareness, the demand for high-performance titanium oxide materials in the field of photocatalysis and new energy is also increasing.

Titanium oxide storage method

Moisture-proof treatment

since titanium oxide powder is susceptible to moisture absorption, moisture-proof measures need to be taken during storage. Generally, TiO₂ should be stored in a dry, ventilated environment to avoid contact with moisture in the air. Use moisture-proof packaging, such as double plastic bags or sealed containers, to further isolate moisture.

Dustproof and anti-static

titanium oxide powder is extremely fine and easy to produce dust, so dust prevention measures should be paid attention to during storage and transportation. Use sealed containers and dust bags, and wear protective equipment during operation to prevent dust pollution. TiO₂ powder has a certain degree of static electricity, and it is necessary to avoid contact with charged substances during storage to prevent the powder from being adsorbed on the surface of the container.

Temperature and light control

titanium oxide has good stability to temperature and light, but long-term exposure to high temperature or strong light may cause performance degradation. Therefore, direct sunlight and high temperature environment should be avoided during storage, and suitable temperature and light conditions should be maintained to ensure the stable quality of TiO₂.

Conclusion

As an important chemical material, titanium oxide has been widely used in many fields because of its excellent physical and chemical properties. Its upstream raw materials are mainly from titanium ore, produced by sulfuric acid or chlorination process. In terms of storage, it is necessary to pay attention to moisture-proof, dust-proof, anti-static and temperature light control to ensure its stable performance. With the advancement of technology and the expansion of application fields, the market demand for titanium oxide will continue to grow, and its potential in the field of new energy and environmental protection will be further revealed.