Titanium dioxide nanoreactor: Synthesis to produce nanoparticles at room temperature in a polymer network
Friday, February 22, 2013 - 11:30
in Physics & Chemistry
Tiny particles of titanium dioxide are found as key ingredients in wall paints, sunscreens, and toothpaste; they act as reflectors of light or as abrasives. However with decreasing particle size and a corresponding change in their surface-to-volume ratio, their properties change so that crystalline titanium dioxide nanoparticles acquire catalytic ability: Activated by the UV component in sunlight, they break down toxins or catalyze other relevant reactions. Now, chemists have developed a synthesis to produce nanoparticles at room temperature in a polymer network.