Synthesis and characterization of ultra-fine titania powders for wastewater treatment

Ultra-fine titania powders were synthesized through sol-gel method. A surfactant-free nonaqueous approach was followed as a quite suitable alternative to surfactants using titanium tetrachloride and 2-ethyl hexanol as precursors. The prepared samples were calcined at different temperatures ranging from 500 degrees C to 800 degrees C. The crystal structure and thermal stability of metal oxide particles were studied using X-ray diffraction technique (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC-TGA) respectively. The purity of powders was checked by infrared spectroscopy (IR) whereas the surface morphology was studied by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The prepared titania samples were employed for the reduction of cyanide, BOD, COD, TDS, color and pH of industrial wastewater.

Automated summary

Ultra-fine titania powders were synthesized through sol-gel method using a surfactant-free nonaqueous approach. The crystal structure and thermal stability of metal oxide particles were analyzed using X-ray diffraction technique and differential scanning calorimetry, while the purity of powders and surface morphology were studied using infrared spectroscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy. The prepared titania samples were used for reducing cyanide, BOD, COD, TDS, color, and pH of industrial wastewater.