When am I ever going to use this? jr. high science meets modern day applications :: titanium dioxide

Remember Mr. Garrison’s 7th Grade Science Class?

How about having to memorize the Periodical Chart?  Beg your pardon for bringing back those daunting times.  Picture two elements on the chart; Ti and O. Pop quiz- combined they create what?  Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) – which is used in products like sunblock, deodorant, food coloring and paint. The newest applications of the chemical is revolutionizing surface treatments. In the advent of nano technology, TiO2 in its particle form is graduating from junior high school science applications to new century innovation.   From self cleaning surfaces to killing H1N1, titanium dioxide can make it happen.

Let your light..shine on me

The magic behind nano TiO2 is its photocatalytic ability. Photocatalysis is a phenomenon in which a chemical reaction occurs as particles absorb light. When light hits a TiO2 treated surface, it charges the particles and they develop an appetite for electrons. This hunger is as strong awaiting Thanksgiving dinner and the TiO2 particles gobble down electrons.  As organic pollutants collect on the surface, the TIO2 steals their electrons and they begin to decompose in oxidation. This happens in fractions of a second and the pollutants do not have a chance to form a bond with the surface.  When charged TiO2 comes in contact with water vapor, the reaction creates a Hydroxyl Radicle. Hydroxyl Radicles have been proven as a more effective bacteria oxidizer then chlorine, ozone or hydrogen peroxide. While TiO2 reacts best to UV rays, new technologies through Particle Doping get reactions from indoor lighting.

TiO2 has an interesting relationship with light; wait until you hear about how it responds to water.   When TiO2 is charged by UV rays it develops, what chemists call, super-hydrophilicity. As water collects on a treated surface it spreads out in “sheets” on the plane. As a result you should not see a single droplet of water on a properly treated TiO2 surface. This is where the “Self Cleaning” on exterior surfaces concept starts to make sense.  Normally, after a good rainfall, water tends to pool on a surface.  Since the organic pollutants are decomposing and have not bonded, the water grabs a hold of them.  Next, gravity kicks in and pulls all polluted water off the vertical surface.

It’s so easy being green

New TiO2 based products are being rapidly developed.  With its atom morphing abilities, TiO2 is the answer to facility maintenance cost reduction and Green initiatives. There are products that produce the “self cleaning” effect for exterior block, EIFS, and windows. These products reduce or eliminate the frequency of traditional exterior maintenance programs thus reducing cost and carbon footprint. Paint manufactures are developing paints that use TiO2 to eat organic orders. There are products for deodorizing fabrics that are used on curtains, carpets, and furniture. Hospitals are using TiO2 coatings on walls to kill airborne bacteria. There are TiO2 treated HVAC equipment that kill bacteria as air is circulated through the system. A recycling system that uses TiO2 to reduce plastics to a harmless gas has been recently developed.  Believe it or not, in Japan a company is promoting a TiO2 treated mens suit that kills H1N1. Now that’s sanitizing good looks.