Prolonging the combustion duration of wood by TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> coating synthesized using cosolvent-controlled hydrothermal method

Thin TiO₂ coating was grown on wood surface using a cosolvent-controlled hydrothermal method. The surface morphology, chemical composition, and functional groups were examined by the scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDXA), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), respectively. The crystalline phase of TiO₂ was investigated by the X-ray diffraction (XRD). The combustion test was carried out on the Dual Analysis Cone Calorimeter, according to the fire testing standard ISO 5660-1. Resulted from the combined analysis of SEM and EDXA, FTIR and XRD, it was demonstrated that the anatase TiO₂ layer accompanying some spheral morphology chemically bonded to wood surface with intact and smooth appearance. The significant differences in combustion parameters between the untreated and the TiO₂ coated wood were observed. In comparison to the untreated wood, the burning time of TiO₂ coated wood was doubled, and the smoke, CO, CO₂ emissions were markedly reduced. As a result, the TiO₂ coating can effectively act as a protective layer to prolong the combustion duration of wood and prevent the harmful gas from spreading.     

Hydrothermal preparation and characterization of TiO2:AC composites

A new photocatalyst titania:activated carbon (TiO₂:AC) composite was prepared by impregnating anatase type TiO₂ nanoparticulates onto the activated carbon surface through a mild hydrothermal route. A varied ratio of TiO₂ to AC was considered for impregnation. As-prepared TiO₂:AC composite was characterized by various techniques such as powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), BET surface area and positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS). Powder XRD results showed the persisting nature of anatase phase of TiO₂ deposited on the activated carbon surface. The BET, FTIR and PALS results revealed the impregnation threshold. The TiO₂ particulates were well adhered and uniformly dispersed on the carbon surface as confirmed by SEM.     

Hydrothermal synthesis of hemisphere-like F-doped anatase TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> with visible light photocatalytic activity

Hemisphere-like F-doped anatase TiO₂ has been synthesized by hydrothermal treatment of TiF₄ aqueous solution in the presence of starch at 130 °C for 10 h, and then calcined at 450 °C for 2.5 h in air. The as-synthesized product has been investigated by photocatalytic reaction test and characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS). The results showed that fluorine was successfully doped into the TiO₂ hemispheres. The F-doped TiO₂ hemispheres showed high visible light activity in degradation of acid orange II, which could be attributed to the creation of oxygen vacancies and good crystallinity.     

Preparation of layered bioceramic hydroxyapatite/sodium titanate coatings on titanium substrates using a hybrid technique of alkali-heat treatment and electrochemical deposition

Bioceramic hydroxyapatite/sodium titanate coating on sandblasted titanium substrate was fabricated by a three-step process. At first, the sandblasted titanium substrate was coated with a flake-like sodium titanate layer by alkali-heat treatment. In the second step, the alkali-heat treated titanium substrate was hydrothermal treated at 180 °C for 4 h with calcium solutions. In the third step, the hydroxyapatite (HA) coating was deposited onto the hydrothermal treated layer via electrochemical deposition method. The surface topography and roughness of the coatings were determined by field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and a mechanical contact profilometer, respectively. The surface compositions were evaluated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray spectrum (EDS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The EDS, XPS, and XRD analysis confirm the presence of element Ca, Ca²⁺, and CaTiO₃ on sodium titanate layer after hydrothermal treatment with Ca(NO₃)₂ solution, respectively. FESEM micrograph shows the rod/needle-shaped crystallites are highly densely packed on the calcium-ion-containing layer with an average size of ~50 nm in diameter. The results indicate that the sodium titanate layer containing Ca²⁺ ions possesses higher ability to induce HA formation compared with the pure sodium titanate layer. It is revealed that surface composition plays an important role in the electrochemical deposition of HA. The calcium-ion-containing layer probably makes the nucleation of HA easy and effectively promotes orientated growth of HA on flake-like sodium titanate surface. The sodium titanate layer possesses a lower corrosion current density and a higher corrosion potential than sandblasted-Ti substrate. The sodium titanate layer should act as a barrier to the release of metal ions from metallic substrate to physiological solutions and thus reducing the electrochemical reaction rate.     

Synthesis and characterization of solar photoactive TiO2 nanoparticles with enhanced structural and optical properties

The structural, morphological, and optical properties of the sol–gel derived TiO₂ nanoparticles at different pH and calcination temperature were investigated in the present study. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV–Visible(Vis) spectroscopy, energy dispersive studies (EDS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, BET surface area analysis, and Barrett-Joyner-Halenda (BJH) pore size distribution and pore volume analysis were used to characterize the prepared TiO₂ photocatalyst. The range of crystallite size and band gap of the synthesized TiO₂ samples were in the range of 20–80?nm and 2.5–3.2?eV respectively. The photocatalytic performance of prepared TiO₂ photocatalysts was evaluated by photodegradation of Methylene Blue (MB) solution under simulated solar irradiation. Results illustrate that the synthesized TiO₂ exhibits visible light activity at higher calcination temperature. Crystallinity and surface area plays a vital role in the overall performance of the prepared TiO₂ photocatalyst.     

Synthesis and characterization of anatase and rutile TiO2 nanorods by template-assisted method

Well-aligned anatase and rutile TiO₂ nanorods and nanotubes with a diameter of about 80–130 nm have successfully been fabricated via sol-gel template method. The prepared samples were characterized by using thermogravimetric (TG) and differential thermal analysis (DTA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The XRD results indicated that the TiO₂ nanorods were crystallized in the anatase and rutile phases, after annealing at 400–800 °C for different periods of time from 0.2 to 10 h.     

Hydrothermal fabrication of rutile TiO2 submicrospheres on wood surface: An efficient method to prepare UV-protective wood

In this work, wood materials with UV-resistant ability were successfully fabricated by depositing submicrometer-sized rutile TiO₂ spheres on wood surface using a facile and one-pot hydrothermal method. The prepared samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transformation infrared (ATR-FTIR) techniques. ATR-FTIR spectra demonstrated that chemical bonds were formed at the interfaces between rutile TiO₂ and wood owing to the presence of hydroxyl groups. Accelerated aging was used to measure the UV resistance of the original wood (OW), anatase TiO₂/wood (ATW) and rutile TiO₂/wood (RTW). Comparison with OW and ATW samples, RTW exhibited more UV-resistant ability due to high UV light absorption capability, superior light scattering property and high recombination of the photogenerated electron and hole of the submicrometer-sized rutile TiO₂ spheres on the wood surface.     

Study on photocatalysis of TiO 2 nanotubes prepared by methanol-thermal synthesis at low temperature

TiO₂ nanotubes were synthesized by the solvothermal process at low temperature in a highly alkaline water–methanol mixed solution. Their characteristics were identified by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), specific surface area (BET), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and UV–Vis absorption spectroscopy. The as-prepared samples were tested by the photodegradation reaction of methylene blue (MB) dye under visible-light irradiation. The ratios of methanol and water, as well as calcination temperature, affected the morphology, nanostructure and photocatalytic performance. The methanol solvent plays an important role in improving crystallization of the anatase phase, which affects the photocatalytic reaction. Titanate nanotubes were synthesized in methanol–water volume ratios of 10:90, 20:80 and 30:70 which still had high absorbability. Titania nanotubes formed at a calcination temperature of 300 °C using methanol–water volume ratio of 30:70 showed highest photocatalytic performance, much higher than that using water solvent and TiO₂–P25 powder.     

In-situ synthesis of TiO2 nanostructures on Ti foil for enhanced and stable photocatalytic performance

TiO_2 nanostructures with strong interfacial adhesion and diverse morphologies have been in-situ grown on Ti foil substrate through a multiple-step method based on conventional plasma electrolytic oxidation(PEO) technology, hydrothermal reaction and ion exchange process. The PEO process is critical to the formation of TiO_2 seeding layer for the nucleation of Na_2Ti_3O_7 and H_2Ti_3O_7 mediates that are strongly attached to the Ti foil. An ion exchange reaction can finally lead to the formation of H_2Ti_3O_7 nanostructures with diverse morphologies and the calcination process can turn the H_2Ti_3O_7 nanostructures into TiO_2 nanostructures with enhanced crystallinity. The morphology of the TiO_2 nanostructures including nanoparticles(NP), nanowhiskers(NWK), nanowires(NW) and nanosheets(NS) can be easily tailored by controlling the NaOH concentration and reaction time during hydrothermal process. The morphology, composition and optical properties of TiO_2 photocatalysts were analyzed using scanning electron microscope(SEM), X-ray diffraction(XRD), photoluminescence(PL) spectroscopy and UV–vis absorption spectrum. Photocatalytic tests indicate that the TiO_2 nanosheets calcined at 500?C show good crystallization and the best capability of decomposing organic pollutants. The decoration of Ag cocatalyst can further improve the photocatalytic performance of the TiO_2 nanosheets as a result of the enhanced charger separation efficiency. Cyclic photocatalytic test using TiO_2 nanostructures grown on Ti foil substrate demonstrates the superior stability in the photodegradation of organic pollutant, suggesting the promising potential of in-situ growth technology for industrial application.     

Preparation and characterization of Ba2TiSi2O8 ferroelectric films produced by sol–gel method

Fresnoite (Ba₂TiSi₂O₈, BTS) thin films were grown on polished Si(100) substrates by sol–gel method. The films were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman scattering spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and atom force microscopy (AFM). The results reveal that the crystallinity of fresnoite thin films increases and their structures become more compact as post-annealing temperature increases. Combined with XRD data, the strong FTIR peaks and Raman bands assigned to Ti–O and Si–O vibration indicate the formation of fresnoite phase in the films at a temperature of 750 °C. Besides, the AFM observation showed the films have a smooth surface, fine grains and dense structure.     

Preparation of N-methylaniline capped mesoporous TiO2 spheres by simple wet chemical method

Pure anatase mesoporous TiO₂ nanospheres were synthesized by simple wet chemical treatment and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–vis), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and powder X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results revealed that the surface morphology of the TiO₂ spheres could be controlled by adjusting the concentration of N-methylaniline and that the average diameter of the TiO₂ spheres was 600 nm. FTIR results confirmed the formation of N-methylaniline capped TiO₂ nanospheres.     

Novel method for doping nano TiO2 photocatalysts by chemical vapour deposition

Highly active photocatalytic Fe-doped nano TiO₂ was successfully synthesised by chemical vapour deposition (CVD) method using FeCl₃ as Fe source. CVD was carried out by evaporating FeCl₃ at 350°C in nitrogen flow during 30–90?min. The amount of Fe incorporated into TiO₂ framework is adjusted by the amount of FeCl₃ used and the evaporation time. The obtained sample was characterised by X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), UV-Vis, Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Photocatalytic activities of the samples were tested in photocatalytic decomposition of 2-propanol in liquid phase using visible light instead of UV light irradiation. Non-doped TiO₂ and high Fe loading TiO₂ samples showed very low photocatalytic activity, whereas the low Fe loading TiO₂ sample exhibited high photocatalytic activity under visible light. The high photocatalytic activity of this sample was rationalised by the existence of defects (Ti–OH groups) as the active sites.     

Synthesis and characterization of photosensitive TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> nanorods by controlled precipitation route

Nanocrystalline TiO₂ thin films have been successfully synthesized by controlled precipitation route. These films are further annealed at 623 K for 2 h. The change in structural, morphological, optical, and wettability properties are studied by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectrum (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), optical absorption, and contact angle measurement. From the XRD pattern it is clear that the as-grown TiO₂ films are amorphous in nature which becomes polycrystalline after annealing. The FTIR study reveals the formation of TiO₂ compound. Scanning electron micrographs shows that the as-grown TiO₂ film consists of agglomerated nanograins well covered to the substrate surface which gets converted into vertical nanorods after annealing. As-deposited and annealed TiO₂ films showed hydrophilic behavior as water contact angles were 24° and 32°, respectively. The optical absorption study reveals the small red shift due to annealing and attributed to grain size. The annealed TiO₂ film showed conversion efficiency of 0.037% in photoelectrochemical cell with 1 M NaOH electrolyte.     

Microstructure,electrical and humidity sensing properties of TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>/polyaniline nanocomposite films prepared by sol–gel spin coating technique

High sensitive resistive type humidity sensor based titanium oxide/polyaniline (TiO₂/PANI) nanocomposite thin films prepared by a sol–gel spin coating technique on an alumina substrate. The resultant nanocomposites were characterized by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field emission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV–Vis absorbance and energy dispersive spectra analysis. In the XRD patterns of both pure and TiO₂/PANI composite confirms the deposition of PANI on TiO₂ and the average size of the composite particle was found to be 32 nm. Large number of nano grain surface being covered by PANI, which agrees very well with the results obtained by XRD studies. FTIR and UV–Vis spectra reveal that the PANI component undergoes an electronic structure modification as a result of the TiO₂ and PANI interaction. The room temperature resistivity was found to be for TiO₂ and TiO₂/PANI nanocomposite films 1.42?×?10⁶ and 2.56?×?10³ Ω cm respectively. The obtained TiO₂/PANI nanocomposites sensor exhibited higher humidity sensing performance such as high sensitivity, fast response (20 s) and recovery time (15 s) and high stability.     

Large-scale synthesis and characterization of fan-shaped rutile TiO2 nanostructures

Large-scale fan-shaped rutile TiO₂ nanostructures have been synthesized by means of a simple hydrothermal method using only TiCl₄ as titanium source and chloroform/water as solvents. The physicochemical features of the fan-shaped TiO₂ nanostructures are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected-area electron diffraction (SAED), nitrogen absorption-desorption, diffuse reflectance ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Structural characterization indicates that the fan-shaped TiO₂ nanostructures are composed of several TiO₂ nanorods with diameters of about 5 nm and lengths of 300-350 nm. The average pore size and BET surface area of the fan-shaped TiO₂ nanostructures are 6.2 nm and 59 m²/g, respectively. Optical adsorption investigation shows that the fan-shaped TiO₂ nanostructures possess optical band gap energy of 3.11 eV.     

Characterization and photoactivity of TiO2 sols prepared with triethylamine

Using triethylamine as a surface protective agent, a transparent and pale yellowish TiO₂ sol had been prepared at 90 °C. This method was very different from the traditional methods, which produced titanium dioxide nanoparticles with anatase crystalline structure either at high acid condition or high temperature. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron spectroscopy (TEM) demonstrated that the as-prepared TiO₂ sol nanoparticles with anatase crystalline structure were uniformly distributed, and the average size was 3 nm. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and UV-vis absorption spectra showed that triethylamine was adsorbed on TiO₂ sol particles surface. FTIR spectroscopy noted that TiO₂ sol particles had the similar spectra with Degussa P25. Photoactivity of the as-prepared TiO₂ sol was studied by investigating the photodegradation of methyl violet in hydrosol reaction system under visible light irradiation.     

Effect of titanium and titania on chemical characteristics of hydroxyapatite plasma-sprayed into water

HA and its composite particles (HA/Ti, HA/TiO₂) were plasma-sprayed into water as well as on the Ti substrate, respectively. The microstructure and phase compositions of the sprayed HA and its composite particles before and after impinging on the substrate were studied by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The results showed that the HA in the composite particles sprayed into water had a higher crystallinity than that in the composite coating. The addition of Ti or TiO₂ could both influence the decomposition of HA, but no chemical reacting product between them was formed before and after impinging on the substrate. However, EDS analyses showed the occurrence of interdiffusion of elements between HA and TiO₂, which was favorable to enhance the cohesive strength of particles in the composite coating. The post heat treatment at 650 °C for 2 h can effectively improve the crystallinity of coating by transforming amorphous phases into HA.     

TiO2/bone composite materials for the separation of heavy metal impurities from waste water solutions

Pure bone material obtained from cow meat, as apatite-rich material, and TiO₂-bone composite materials are prepared and studied to be used for heavy metal ions separation from waste water solutions. Meat wastes are chemically and thermally treated to control their microstructure in order to prepare the composite materials that fulfill all the requirements to be used as selective membranes with high performance, stability and mechanical strength. The prepared materials are analyzed using Hg-porosimetry for surface characterization, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX) for elemental analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) for chemical composition investigation. Structural studies are performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD). Microstructural properties are studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and specific surface area studies are performed using Brunauer-Emmet-Teller (BET) method. XRD studies show that multiphase structures are obtained as a result of 1h sintering at 700?C1200 °C for both pure bone and TiO₂-bone composite materials. The factors affecting the transport of different heavy metal ions through the selected membranes are determined from permeation flux measurements. It is found that membrane pore size, membrane surface roughness and membrane surface charge are the key parameters that control the transport or rejection of heavy metal ions through the selected membranes.     

Photocatalytic degradation of indigo carmine dye using TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> impregnated activated carbon

The photocatalytic degradation of indigo carmine dye was studied using hydrothermally prepared TiO₂ impregnated activated carbon (TiO₂: AC). A comparison between the degradation of the indigo carmine dye using commercial TiO₂ and TiO₂: AC revealed the efficiency of the title compound. The degradation reaction was optimized with respect to the dye concentration and catalyst amount. The reduction in the chemical oxygen demand (COD) revealed the mineralization of dye along with colour removal. The active compound like TiO₂ was impregnated onto the activated carbon surface under mild hydrothermal conditions (<250°C, P ∼ 40 bars). The impregnated activated carbon samples were characterized using powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM).     

Synthesis and characterization of CdS doped TiO2 nanocrystalline powder: A spectroscopic study

This report aimed to study the effect of CdS doping in TiO₂ on the phase transformation of TiO₂ from anatase to rutile using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy. CdS-doped TiO₂ nanocomposites have been prepared and characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). We have observed that contrary to bare TiO₂, phase transformation of TiO₂ from anatase to rutile is hindered when doped with CdS at high temperature. Raman spectroscopy is found to be more sensitive for detection of the surface of TiO₂ as compared to XRD.