Modification Strategies of Titanium Dioxide

Abstract

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a standard white pigment. However, when TiO2 is exposed to ultraviolet light, it will catalyze the degradation of the surrounding organic matrix. Surface coating of TiO2 is an effective method for reducing the catalytic effect of TiO2. It can also improve the dispersion of TiO2 in an organic matrix. This review critically introduces recent results on the surface coating of TiO2. First, the main features of TiO2, including processes, structure, and final properties, are described briefly. Second, this chapter reports and discusses different surface coating methods for TiO2 with inorganic oxides and organic matter. Inorganic oxides, such as Al2O3, SiO2, and ZrO2, would form a continuous dense film and block the defects of the TiO2 lattice. They can give TiO2 excellent weather resistance. The organic matter available for surface treatment includes the surfactant, the coupling agent, and the macromolecule. They can improve the affinity of TiO2 with various organic matrices. Surfactant treatment is relatively simple. Coupling agents can give TiO2 more novel properties, such as thermal stability. Macromolecules can increase the volume of TiO2 particles through steric hindrance and improve the dispersion of TiO2 in an organic matrix. However, coating TiO2 in a single matter is challenging to meet the increasing performance requirements. Therefore, it is necessary to study further the effect of co-coating with different inorganic oxides and organic matter on the structure and properties of TiO2.