Process for producing ceramic powders, especially titanium dioxide useful as a photocatalyst

US5698177A · kind A · utility

Assignees

• University of Cincinnati · US
• Universität Karlsruhe · DE

Inventors

• Sotiris E. Pratsinis · Zürich, CH
• Srinivas Vemury · Duluth, US
• George Fotou · Cincinnati, US
• Andreas Gutsch · Thedinghausen, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 8, 1995
• Grant date: Dec 16, 1997
• Expiry date: Jun 8, 2015

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C01P2006/12
• WIPO field: Materials, metallurgy
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A gas phase process for the production of titanium dioxide powders having well-controlled crystalline and surface area characteristics is disclosed. In this process, which is preferably carried out in a laminar diffusion flame reactor, vapor phase TiCl.sub.4 and oxygen are mixed in a reaction area which is heated externally. The titanium dioxide powder formed is then collected. It is preferred that the heat source used be a hydrocarbon fueled (e.g., methane) flame. Optionally, a vapor phase dopant (such as SiCl.sub.4) may be added to the reaction mixture to desirably affect the physical properties of the titanium dioxide produced. In a particularly preferred embodiment, a corona electric field is positioned across the area where the combustion reaction takes place (i.e., the reaction area). High anatase, high surface area titanium dioxide powders made by this process are excellent photocatalysts. The products of this process and the use of those products as photocatalysts are also disclosed. This process is also useful for producing other ceramic powders (such as silicon dioxide and tin oxide), as well as pure metallic or alloy powders.