Similarly to the titanate nanotubes, titanate nanowires prepared by the usage of nanotechnological methods have unique properties arisen from the nanostructured construction over the properties of titanium-dioxide widely used in the industry.
Synthesis of titanate nanowires is based on a modified alkali hydrothermal recrystallization method. As-prepared nanostructures have larger dimensions to nanotubular counterparts. Nanowires having a diamater of 50-100 nanometer and length op to 1-10 micrometer are slightly flexible (Fig. 1.).
Fig. 1. Transmission electron microscopic image of the as-prepared titanate nanowires shows that such nanostructures have the diamter of 50-100 nm and length up to 1-10 micrometer
Titanate nanowires are based on a layered structure where connection of 50-100 layer are performed. The tiny (~0,7 nm) interlayer spacing endow such nanostructures with further unique properties (Fig. 2.).
Fig. 2. TEM images shows the layered nanostructure of the titanate nanowires
They are promising base materials for different sensors (e.g. lambda sensors), catalysts or catalyst support due to their semiconducting behaviour.
Titanate nanowires has unique ion exchange properties due to the special surface chemistry and the layered structure. Exploiting such possibilities led to water softing or removal of other unwanted ions (e.g. heavy metal ions).
The unique nano-construction, tiny dimension, relatively huge specific surface area and the one dimensional structure make titanate nanowires as a promising filler for polymers. Several titanate naowire/polymer (e.g. polyethylene, polystryrene, polyurethane, epoxy resins) nanocomposites have increasing tensile stregth, Young modulus, wearing resistance. Beside the enhanced mechanical properties titanate nanowire also endow polymeric composites with burning resistance and antistatic effect.
Titanate nanowire based paints have outstanding hiding power and white color due to the one-dimensional construction and th enhanced light reflectiveness and whiteness coming from the chemical structure. Hiding power can be combined with superhydrophobic, antimicrobial or photocatalytic properties resulted in germ- and funghi-killer self-cleaning paints.