Over Several Orders of Magnitude: Characterization of TiO₂ Using Laser Diffraction, ELS, SAXS and XRD

Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) powders are widely used in various applications, including photocatalysis, pigments, and energy storage materials. The properties of TiO₂ nanoparticles, such as size, crystallinity, and dispersion behavior, significantly influence their performance. In this study, we characterize TiO₂ powders using X-ray diffraction (XRD), small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), dynamic and static light scattering (DLS/SLS) to obtain comprehensive information about their structural and dispersion properties over several orders of magnitude.

Introduction 

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a widely used material with diverse applications in industries, ranging from pigments to energy conversion and environmental remediation. It exists primarily in three crystalline forms: rutile, anatase, and brookite - though rutile and anatase are the most commonly utilized due to their superior properties.

Rutile, the most thermodynamically stable phase, is known for its high refractive index, excellent UV absorption, and chemical stability, making it an essential component in white pigments, sunscreens, and optical coatings. It also finds applications in photocatalysis and electronic devices due to its high dielectric constant and its excellent electrical properties.

Anatase, on the other hand, is widely recognized for its superior photocatalytic activity, making it a key material in environmental purification, self-cleaning surfaces, and solar energy conversion. Both its higher bandgap and increased charge carrier mobility enhance the efficiency in applications such as water splitting, air purification, and dye-sensitized solar cells.

In this study, we employed X-ray diffraction (XRD), small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and static light scattering (SLS) to study unknown TiO2 samples over several orders of magnitude. The particles were dispersed in water for SAXS, DLS, and SLS measurements to evaluate their size distribution, aggregation behavior, and the structure in suspension. XRD determined the samples’ purity and crystalline phase composition in powder form. Consequently, we obtained a comprehensive understanding of the structural and dispersion characteristics of the TiO2 powder, enabling insights into its potential applications

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