Synthesis of Titania Using an Inductively Coupled Plasma Process and Several Methods of Introducing Precursor Vapor

SAMYAK PRASAD, Vedant Singh, Ranganathan Gopalakrishnan, University of Memphis

     Abstract Number: 624
     Working Group: Nanoparticles and Materials Synthesis

Abstract
Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) continues to attract significant interest due to its unique physical and chemical properties, making it highly valuable in a range of applications including photocatalysis, solar energy conversion, and biomedical devices. The use of plasma-based synthesis offers several advantages over conventional methods, such as high purity, precise control over particle size, and the ability to tailor phase composition. This work focuses on design and implementation of a flow through an inductively coupled plasma (ICP) reactor for aerosol generation, with initial focus on TiO₂, employing titanium tetraisopropoxide (TTIP) as the precursor. TTIP vapor is introduced into a low temperature ICP, where it undergoes decomposition, leading to the formation of TiO₂ particles. Three different approaches to introducing TTIP are evaluated: thermal evaporation, nebulized droplets, and electrosprayed droplets. Routes to scale up TiO2 production are explored by optimizing reactor design. The synthesized material was characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to evaluate the morphology, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) for phase identification and crystallinity, and Electron Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) for elemental characterization. This research is supported by the US Army Research Office - Sciences of Extreme Materials Branch Award #W911NF-23-2-0013.