Technology Commercialization and Partnerships | BSA 08-05: Improved Titanium Dioxide Nanorods for UV-protective Coatings

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Categories: advanced materials, nanotechnology

BSA 08-05: Improved Titanium Dioxide Nanorods for UV-protective Coatings

BNL Reference Number: BSA 08-05

Patent Status: Application Number 20090117384 was published on May 7, 2009

Summary

High-resolution transmission electron micrograph showing regular nanocavities dispersed in titania nanorod.

A new form of titanium dioxide particles protects surfaces against harmful ultraviolet (UV) light without sacrificing transparency. Unlike the nanoparticles already used widely in products such as sunscreens, these new titanium dioxide nanorods contain unique nanocavities and transmit 25 percent less UV light.

Description

Synthesis requires a relatively simple two-step process. In the first step, hydrogen titanate nanorods are prepared by alkali treatment of titanium oxide powder, and then washed by acid treatment. In the second step, high applied heat dehydrates the titanate nanorods, producing the crystalline anatase titanium dioxide nanorods with regular nanocavities. Dopants such as iron, nickel, and chromium and their salts may be added together with titanium oxide in the synthesis process to form doped titania nanorods with nanocavities.

Benefits

Incorporating titanium dioxide nanorods with nanocavities would add UV protection across industries without adding pigmentation, thus limiting damage from harmful UV rays without affecting the appearance of the underlying surface. The basic chemistry is quite simple, such that two years should be sufficient to reach production scale.

Applications and Industries

The enhanced protection against UV light could greatly improve coatings applied to surfaces exposed to sunlight for long periods, such as industrial buildings, homes, automobiles, boats, and even human skin.