Titanium Dioxide Promotes New Particle Formation: A Smog Chamber Study

TiO2 is a widely used material in building coatings. Many studies have revealed that TiO2 promotes the heterogeneous oxidation of SO2 and the subsequent sulfate formation. However, whether and how much TiO2 contributes to the gaseous H2SO4 and subsequent new particle formation (NPF) still remains unclear. Herein, we used a 1 m3 quartz smog chamber to investigate NPF in the presence of TiO2. The experimental results indicated that TiO2 could greatly promote NPF. The increases in particle formation rate (J) and growth rate due to the presence of TiO2 were quantified, and the promotion effect was attributed to the production of gaseous H2SO4. The promotion effect of TiO2 on SO2 oxidation and subsequent NPF decreased gradually due to the formation of surface sulfate but did not disappear completely, instead partly recovering after washing with water. Moreover, the promotion effect of TiO2 on NPF was observed regardless of differences in RH, and the most significant promotion effect of TiO2 associated with the strongest NPF occurred at an RH of 20%. Based on the experimental evidence, the environmental impact of TiO2 on gaseous H2SO4 and particle pollution in urban areas was estimated.

Automated summary

This study investigated the role of TiO2 in new particle formation (NPF) using a 1 m3 quartz smog chamber. The experimental results showed that TiO2 significantly promoted NPF by producing gaseous H2SO4. The promotion effect of TiO2 decreased gradually but partially recovered after washing with water. Furthermore, the promotion effect of TiO2 on NPF was observed regardless of differences in relative humidity (RH), with the most significant effect at an RH of 20%. Based on the experiments, the environmental impact of TiO2 on gaseous H2SO4 and particle pollution in urban areas was estimated.