Titanium dioxide

By Simon Cotton2009-01-01T00:00:00

Source: Jupiterimages

Simon Cotton takes a look at those compounds that find themselves in the news or relate to our everyday lives.

Why is titanium dioxide so important?

Titanium dioxide, or titanium(IV) oxide (TiO₂), is the best white pigment available. The compound is bright white and doesn't dull on exposure to polluted air. Titanium dioxide is found in ores such as rutile and anatase, and some four million tonnes of TiO₂ are used each year in a range of applications, from a colourant (E171) in the food industry, in toothpaste and in paper, through medicines, to sunscreens. Its opaque white colour means TiO₂ strongly absorbs uv light, which helps it to be a photocatalyst.

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