Preparation, Characteristics, and Application of Bifunctional TiO2 Sheets

Abstract

TiO2 is a high-reflectance material for preparing sheets during dry reagent chemical tests in detail. In this study, bifunctional TiO2 sheets with diffusive and reflective properties were prepared using TiO2 microspheres (particle size 2–3 µm) and cellulose acetate (CA). Factors such as the CA dosage, water content, mixing time, and the choice of surfactant were investigated. The structure and properties of the bifunctional TiO2 sheets were characterized by thermogravimetry and differential thermal analysis (TG-DAT), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamic contact angle test and reflectance spectroscopy. By studying the above experimental results, it was concluded that the most optimal preparation conditions for preparing the bi-functional TiO2 sheets under natural drying conditions were as follows: the mass ratio of CA to TiO2 microspheres was 0.05:1; Triton-100 was used to improve the diffusion performance of the bifunctional sheets, after mixing for 5 h and coating. The light reflectivity of the bifunctional TiO2 sheets in the 420 to 800 nm range was higher than 90%. Serum diffused in the bifunctional TiO2 sheets reacted in the reagent sheets and formed uniform colorful spots. Considering the repeatability of spot proportion and light reflectivity, the sheet offered a uniform serum diffusion and good repeatability. So, the bifunctional TiO2 sheets are nominated as a promising material for dry chemical diagnostic reagents.