WO2015040426A1 - Titania particles and a process for their production - Google Patents

Titania particles and a process for their production Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2015040426A1
WO2015040426A1 PCT/GB2014/052878 GB2014052878W WO2015040426A1 WO 2015040426 A1 WO2015040426 A1 WO 2015040426A1 GB 2014052878 W GB2014052878 W GB 2014052878W WO 2015040426 A1 WO2015040426 A1 WO 2015040426A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
titania
particles
sol
controlled
dried
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/GB2014/052878
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English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
Karl Lowry
John Lalande Edwards
Darren J. WATERS
John Robb
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Tioxide Europe Ltd
Original Assignee
Tioxide Europe Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from GB201316874A external-priority patent/GB201316874D0/en
Priority claimed from GB201415175A external-priority patent/GB201415175D0/en
Priority to AU2014322870A priority Critical patent/AU2014322870A1/en
Priority to CN201480051998.6A priority patent/CN105555713B/zh
Priority to EP14772218.5A priority patent/EP3049371B1/en
Priority to ES14772218T priority patent/ES2987940T3/es
Priority to MX2016003740A priority patent/MX387833B/es
Priority to KR1020167010765A priority patent/KR102298817B1/ko
Priority to UAA201604460A priority patent/UA119753C2/uk
Priority to MX2021011661A priority patent/MX391899B/es
Application filed by Tioxide Europe Ltd filed Critical Tioxide Europe Ltd
Priority to US15/023,918 priority patent/US10173198B2/en
Priority to MYPI2016000495A priority patent/MY176021A/en
Priority to BR112016006256-6A priority patent/BR112016006256B1/pt
Priority to BR122020005772-6A priority patent/BR122020005772B1/pt
Priority to CA2923123A priority patent/CA2923123C/en
Priority to JP2016543462A priority patent/JP6753781B2/ja
Publication of WO2015040426A1 publication Critical patent/WO2015040426A1/en
Priority to SA516370782A priority patent/SA516370782B1/ar
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Priority to AU2018202398A priority patent/AU2018202398B2/en
Priority to US16/190,180 priority patent/US10717066B2/en
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C01G—COMPOUNDS CONTAINING METALS NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES C01D OR C01F
    • C01G23/00—Compounds of titanium
    • C01G23/04—Oxides; Hydroxides
    • C01G23/047—Titanium dioxide
    • C01G23/053—Producing by wet processes, e.g. hydrolysing titanium salts
    • C01G23/0532—Producing by wet processes, e.g. hydrolysing titanium salts by hydrolysing sulfate-containing salts
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J21/00—Catalysts comprising the elements, oxides, or hydroxides of magnesium, boron, aluminium, carbon, silicon, titanium, zirconium, or hafnium
    • B01J21/06—Silicon, titanium, zirconium or hafnium; Oxides or hydroxides thereof
    • B01J21/063—Titanium; Oxides or hydroxides thereof
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J23/00—Catalysts comprising metals or metal oxides or hydroxides, not provided for in group B01J21/00
    • B01J23/38—Catalysts comprising metals or metal oxides or hydroxides, not provided for in group B01J21/00 of noble metals
    • B01J23/48—Silver or gold
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J23/00—Catalysts comprising metals or metal oxides or hydroxides, not provided for in group B01J21/00
    • B01J23/38—Catalysts comprising metals or metal oxides or hydroxides, not provided for in group B01J21/00 of noble metals
    • B01J23/54—Catalysts comprising metals or metal oxides or hydroxides, not provided for in group B01J21/00 of noble metals combined with metals, oxides or hydroxides provided for in groups B01J23/02 - B01J23/36
    • B01J23/56—Platinum group metals
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
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    • B01J23/00—Catalysts comprising metals or metal oxides or hydroxides, not provided for in group B01J21/00
    • B01J23/70—Catalysts comprising metals or metal oxides or hydroxides, not provided for in group B01J21/00 of the iron group metals or copper
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J35/00—Catalysts, in general, characterised by their form or physical properties
    • B01J35/40—Catalysts, in general, characterised by their form or physical properties characterised by dimensions, e.g. grain size
    • B01J35/45—Nanoparticles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J35/00—Catalysts, in general, characterised by their form or physical properties
    • B01J35/60—Catalysts, in general, characterised by their form or physical properties characterised by their surface properties or porosity
    • B01J35/61—Surface area
    • B01J35/613—10-100 m2/g
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J35/00—Catalysts, in general, characterised by their form or physical properties
    • B01J35/60—Catalysts, in general, characterised by their form or physical properties characterised by their surface properties or porosity
    • B01J35/61—Surface area
    • B01J35/615—100-500 m2/g
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J35/00—Catalysts, in general, characterised by their form or physical properties
    • B01J35/60—Catalysts, in general, characterised by their form or physical properties characterised by their surface properties or porosity
    • B01J35/63—Pore volume
    • B01J35/633—Pore volume less than 0.5 ml/g
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J35/00—Catalysts, in general, characterised by their form or physical properties
    • B01J35/60—Catalysts, in general, characterised by their form or physical properties characterised by their surface properties or porosity
    • B01J35/64—Pore diameter
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J37/00—Processes, in general, for preparing catalysts; Processes, in general, for activation of catalysts
    • B01J37/0009—Use of binding agents; Moulding; Pressing; Powdering; Granulating; Addition of materials ameliorating the mechanical properties of the product catalyst
    • B01J37/0027—Powdering
    • B01J37/0045—Drying a slurry, e.g. spray drying
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J37/00—Processes, in general, for preparing catalysts; Processes, in general, for activation of catalysts
    • B01J37/02—Impregnation, coating or precipitation
    • B01J37/03—Precipitation; Co-precipitation
    • B01J37/031—Precipitation
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J37/00—Processes, in general, for preparing catalysts; Processes, in general, for activation of catalysts
    • B01J37/02—Impregnation, coating or precipitation
    • B01J37/03—Precipitation; Co-precipitation
    • B01J37/036—Precipitation; Co-precipitation to form a gel or a cogel
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J37/00—Processes, in general, for preparing catalysts; Processes, in general, for activation of catalysts
    • B01J37/04—Mixing
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C01G—COMPOUNDS CONTAINING METALS NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES C01D OR C01F
    • C01G23/00—Compounds of titanium
    • C01G23/04—Oxides; Hydroxides
    • C01G23/047—Titanium dioxide
    • C01G23/053—Producing by wet processes, e.g. hydrolysing titanium salts
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C01G—COMPOUNDS CONTAINING METALS NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES C01D OR C01F
    • C01G23/00—Compounds of titanium
    • C01G23/04—Oxides; Hydroxides
    • C01G23/047—Titanium dioxide
    • C01G23/08—Drying; Calcining ; After treatment of titanium oxide
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C01P—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO STRUCTURAL AND PHYSICAL ASPECTS OF SOLID INORGANIC COMPOUNDS
    • C01P2004/00—Particle morphology
    • C01P2004/01—Particle morphology depicted by an image
    • C01P2004/03—Particle morphology depicted by an image obtained by SEM
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C01P—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO STRUCTURAL AND PHYSICAL ASPECTS OF SOLID INORGANIC COMPOUNDS
    • C01P2004/00—Particle morphology
    • C01P2004/01—Particle morphology depicted by an image
    • C01P2004/04—Particle morphology depicted by an image obtained by TEM, STEM, STM or AFM
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C01P—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO STRUCTURAL AND PHYSICAL ASPECTS OF SOLID INORGANIC COMPOUNDS
    • C01P2004/00—Particle morphology
    • C01P2004/60—Particles characterised by their size
    • C01P2004/61—Micrometer sized, i.e. from 1-100 micrometer
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C01P—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO STRUCTURAL AND PHYSICAL ASPECTS OF SOLID INORGANIC COMPOUNDS
    • C01P2006/00—Physical properties of inorganic compounds
    • C01P2006/12—Surface area
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C01P—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO STRUCTURAL AND PHYSICAL ASPECTS OF SOLID INORGANIC COMPOUNDS
    • C01P2006/00—Physical properties of inorganic compounds
    • C01P2006/16—Pore diameter
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C01P—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO STRUCTURAL AND PHYSICAL ASPECTS OF SOLID INORGANIC COMPOUNDS
    • C01P2006/00—Physical properties of inorganic compounds
    • C01P2006/21—Attrition-index or crushing strength of granulates

Definitions

  • the invention relates, in general, to titania particles and to processes for their production and use .
  • Titanium dioxide (titania) is well known and has a variety of applications, including cosmetics, personal care products, plastics, surface coatings, self-cleaning surfaces, drug delivery and medical devices, as a catalytic carrier material and in photovoltaic applications.
  • the sulfate process is based on the digestion of ilmenite or titania slag in concentrated sulfuric acid. After iron removal as iron sulfate, the solution is heated and diluted with water. The titanium hydrolyzes, forming a titanium oxysulfate precipitate, which is further treated to produce Ti0 2 pigment.
  • the chloride process relies on carbochlorination of titanium containing ore or intermediate products to form TiCl 4 , followed by the gas phase oxidation of TiCl 4 .
  • Titanium dioxide can be flocculated and/or precipitated out of a slurry containing titanium dioxide by pH adjustment of the slurry.
  • the finishing process for titanium dioxide may include one or more of: drying, milling, filtering, washing, and packaging.
  • titania Many applications require the titania to have a large specific surface area (e.g. greater than 200m 2 /g), in order to increase efficacy. In particular this is due to the fact that such larger surface areas result in increased gas to solid contact ratios or increased liquid to solid contact ratios.
  • a large specific surface area can be achieved by the use of nano particles of titania (i.e. particles with a diameter of less than l OOnm) and this is the current normal approach.
  • titania material that has a particle shape suited to the desired end use of the material. Dependent on the intended use, different shapes of particles may be more appropriate.
  • the morphology may in particular relate to the pore size in the titania particles (which in turn impacts on the specific surface area of the particles) and/or the shape of the titania particles (e.g. in terms of whether the particles are spherical in shape or present an alternative shape such as a toroid (i.e. a doughnut-type shape), and whether the particles are "fluffy" or have a smooth surface).
  • the invention provides, in a first aspect, a process for the production of titania particles with a desired morphology, the process comprising:
  • drying the sol to provide dried titania particles characterised in that the morphology of the dried titania particles is controlled by applying one or more of the following criteria:
  • the titania sol is produced from a Ti0 2 containing slurry obtained using a precipitation step in a sulphate process, and the size of micelles formed during the precipitation is controlled,
  • the titania sol is produced from a Ti0 2 containing slurry and the pH of the slurry is controlled in order to affect the extent to which the titania sol is flocculated,
  • the titania sol is produced from a Ti0 2 containing slurry and the iso-electric point of the titania is adjusted in order to affect the extent to which the titania sol is flocculated;
  • the titania sol is dried by application of heat and the temperature used during the drying step is controlled.
  • the morphology refers to the form and structure of the titania particles.
  • the morphology includes, but is not limited to, the size of pores in the titania particles (which in turn impacts on the specific surface area of the particles) and the shape of the titania particles.
  • the invention provides, in one such aspect, a process for the production of titania particles with a desired morphology, the process comprising:
  • the pore size of the dried titania particles is controlled by applying one or more of the following criteria:
  • the titania sol is produced from Ti0 2 containing slurry obtained using a precipitation step in a sulphate process, and the size of micelles formed during the precipitation is controlled,
  • the titania sol is produced from a Ti0 2 containing slurry and the pH of the slurry is controlled in order to affect the extent to which the titania sol is flocculated,
  • the titania sol is produced from a Ti0 2 containing slurry and the isoelectric point of the titania is adjusted in order to affect the extent to which the titania sol is flocculated;
  • the shape of the dried titania particles is controlled by applying one or more of the following criteria:
  • the titania sol is produced from a Ti0 2 containing slurry and the pH of the slurry is controlled in order to affect the extent to which the titania sol is flocculated, (B-ii) the titania sol is dried by application of heat and the temperature used during the drying step is controlled.
  • the invention also provides, in a second aspect, the use of a controlled nucleation during preparation of a titania sol by a precipitation step in a sulphate process, before then drying said sol, wherein the size of micelles formed during the precipitation is controlled so as to control the morphology of the resultant dried titania particles.
  • the precipitation is controlled so as to control the pore size and/or specific surface area of the resultant dried titania particles.
  • the invention also provides, in a third aspect, the use of a controlled flocculation during preparation of a titania sol from a titania slurry, before then drying said sol, wherein the extent to which the sol is flocculated is controlled by adjusting the pH of the slurry, so as to control the morphology of the resultant dried titania particles.
  • the flocculation is controlled so as to control the pore size and/or specific surface area and/or particle shape of the resultant dried titania particles.
  • the pH may be adjusted to be closer to the iso-electric point of the titania, so there is a greater degree of flocculation, or the pH may be adjusted to be further from the iso-electric point of the titania, so there is a lesser degree of flocculation.
  • the invention also provides, in a fourth aspect, the use of a controlled flocculation during or after the formation of a titania sol, before then drying said sol, wherein the extent to which the sol is flocculated is controlled by adjusting the iso-electric point of the titania, so as to control the morphology of the resultant dried titania particles.
  • the flocculation is controlled so as to control the pore size and/or specific surface area of the resultant dried titania particles.
  • the iso-electric point may be adjusted so as to be closer to the pH of the slurry/sol, so there is a greater degree of flocculation, or the iso-electric point may be adjusted to be further from the pH of the slurry/sol, so there is a lesser degree of flocculation.
  • the invention also provides, in a fifth aspect, the use of a controlled drying during preparation of dried titania particles from a titania sol, wherein the temperature used during the drying step is controlled so as to control the morphology of the resultant dried titania particles. Preferably, the temperature is controlled so as to control the particle shape of the resultant dried titania particles.
  • the invention therefore permits the formation of titania with desired morphology, e.g. in terms of desired pore size and/or desired particle shape.
  • the invention may be practised on titania with a range of particle sizes, including nano, meso and macro particles.
  • titania may, for example, be used to provide titania with large specific surface areas but which can be used in applications where there is a desire to avoid the need to use nano materials.
  • a process for producing titania comprises:
  • the titania sol being produced from a Ti0 2 containing slurry and the pH of the slurry being controlled to be 3 pH units or more from the iso-electric point of the titania, by the addition of peptising agent, in order to reduce the extent to which the titania sol is flocculated; or
  • the titania sol being produced from a Ti0 2 containing slurry and the isoelectric point being adjusted to be 3 pH units or more from the pH of the slurry, by the addition of dispersant, in order to reduce the extent to which the titania sol is flocculated.
  • This process is beneficial in that by controlling the pH during peptisation to be away from the iso-electric point (which will normally be at about pH 5-6), or by adjusting the iso-electric point to be away from the pH of the slurry, the sol will be fully dispersed (not flocculated).
  • a spray drying treatment results in a particulate product that has a smooth curved outer surface, that is relatively small in size (particle diameter of 30 ⁇ or less), and that has high integrity, being resistant to external forces including high shear mixing.
  • the particles may be spherical or toroidal but have a continuous exterior curved (convex) surface .
  • the pH of the slurry is adjusted to be 3.5 pH units or more, or 4 pH units or more, such as from 4 to 6 pH units, away from the iso-electric point of the titania, by the addition of peptising agent, in order to reduce the extent to which the titania sol is flocculated.
  • the pH of the slurry is adjusted by the addition of any suitable peptising agent (examples of which are set out below).
  • One suitable peptising agent is a monoprotic acid, such as hydrochloric acid, which will lower the pH and take it away from the iso-electric point.
  • the iso-electric point of the titania is adjusted to be 3.5 pH units or more, or 4 pH units or more, such as from 4 to 6 pH units, away from the pH of the slurry, by the addition of a dispersant, in order to reduce the extent to which the titania sol is flocculated.
  • the iso-electric point of the titania is adjusted by the addition of any suitable dispersant (examples of which are set out below) .
  • One suitable dispersant is an a-hydroxy carboxylic acid, such as citric acid.
  • the process comprises:
  • the titania sol being produced from a Ti0 2 containing slurry and the pH of the slurry being controlled to be in the range of from 1 to 3, by the addition of peptising agent, in order to the reduce the extent to which the titania sol is flocculated.
  • the pH of the slurry is controlled to be in the range of from 1 to 2, especially from 1 to 1.5, by the addition of peptising agent, in order to the reduce/minimise the extent to which the titania sol is flocculated.
  • the pH of the slurry is controlled by the addition of hydrochloric acid, or another monoprotic acid, as peptising agent.
  • the sol is then neutralised (e.g. with monoisopropanolamine - known as MIPA).
  • MIPA monoisopropanolamine
  • Excess soluble salts may be removed to a desired conductivity, e .g. using cross-flow filtration, for example the washing may reduce the conductivity to ⁇ 2ms/cm.
  • the morphology of the dried titania particles is further controlled by the temperature used during the spray drying step being controlled; in one such embodiment the temperature of spray drying is controlled to be in the range of from 50 to 150°C, such as from 75 to 140°C, or from 100 to 125°C. This further assists in the production of small strong particles, which are preferably spherical.
  • the sol as spray dried may in one embodiment have a solids content of from 1 % to 35% wt/wt, e .g. from 2 to 25% wt/wt or from 5 to 20% wt/wt or from 10 to 18% wt/wt.
  • the morphology of the dried titania particles is further controlled by the titania sol being produced from a Ti0 2 containing slurry obtained using a precipitation step in a sulphate process, wherein the size of micelles formed during the precipitation is controlled to be in the range of 10 to 150nm, such as from 15 to 125nm, or from 20 to l OOnm. It may be suitably that the size of micelles formed during the precipitation is controlled to be in the range of from 20 to 50nm. For example, in one embodiment they may be sized from 20 to 45nm or from 20 to 40nm or from 25 to 45nm or from 25 to 40nm.
  • the size of micelles formed during the precipitation is controlled by the use of a Mecklenburg precipitation with a nucleation level in the range of from 0. 1 to 15wt%, e.g. of from 1 to 15wt%, or from 5 to 12wt%. It may be suitably that the nucleation level is from 5 to 10wt%, such as from 5.5 to 9wt%, and especially in the range of from 6 to 8wt%.
  • the size of micelles formed during the precipitation is controlled by the use of a Blumenfeld precipitation with a drop ratio of from 50: 50 to 99: 1 , e.g. from 50: 50 to 80:20 or from 50: 50 to 78 :22 or from 50: 50 to 75 :25 (such as from 60:40 to 75 :25) or from 80:20 to 98 :2 or from 82: 18 to 98 :2 (such as from 85 : 15 to 98:2).
  • a Blumenfeld precipitation with a drop ratio of from 50: 50 to 99: 1 , e.g. from 50: 50 to 80:20 or from 50: 50 to 78 :22 or from 50: 50 to 75 :25 (such as from 60:40 to 75 :25) or from 80:20 to 98 :2 or from 82: 18 to 98 :2 (such as from 85 : 15 to 98:2).
  • the drop ratio is in the range of from 50: 50 to 75 :25 or from 50: 50 to 70: 30, e.g. from 55 :45 to 75 : 25, such as from 60 :40 to 75 :25 or from 55 :45 to 70:30.
  • the invention also provides, in a seventh aspect, titania in the form of particles that are obtainable by the process of the sixth aspect of the invention.
  • these particles as obtainable by this process each have a continuous exterior convex surface, the particles having a diameter, as measured by using laser diffraction, of 30 ⁇ or less, and a BET specific surface area of 50m 2 /g or more, wherein the particles are porous.
  • the particles are spherical in shape or toroidal in shape.
  • the particles have a diameter, as measured by using laser diffraction, of 20 ⁇ or less, such as from 2 to 20 ⁇ .
  • the particles have a BET specific surface area of 80m 2 /g or more, such as from 80 to 320m 2 /g.
  • the particles of the seventh aspect are beneficial in that they have high integrity, being resistant to external forces, including high shear mixing. This high integrity is preserved even after heat treatment (e.g. after being thermally treated at 500°C for 7 days), as is shown in the examples.
  • novel particles may, in an eighth aspect, be used as a catalyst or as a catalytic support. They may in particular be used as a catalyst or as a catalytic support where that catalyst or catalytic support is produced by a method that involves exposure to external forces, e.g. extrusion or high shear mixing.
  • the porous titania of the seventh aspect is mixed with a binder and extruded to create high surface area titania pellets for use as a catalyst or catalyst support.
  • the titania may be a support for any catalytic material.
  • the catalytic material may, however, suitably be selected from the group consisting of: ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, iridium, platinum, osmium, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, silver, vanadium, tungsten, chromium and molybdenum, and combinations thereof.
  • the titania may be coated with silica or the like to provide improved thermal stability.
  • the porous titania particles or extrudate formed therefrom may undergo an impregnation process, whereby catalytic promoters (such as molybdenum, nickel, cobalt, or a mixture thereof) are impregnated into the pores of the porous titania.
  • catalytic promoters such as molybdenum, nickel, cobalt, or a mixture thereof
  • a thermal stabiliser such as tungsten trioxide from a precursor such as ammonium metatungstate or ammonium paratung state, lanthanum oxide from a precursor such as lanthanum nitrate hexahydrate, cerium oxide from a precursor such as cerium nitrate hexahydrate, or silica from a precursor such as silicic acid
  • a thermal stabiliser such as tungsten trioxide from a precursor such as ammonium metatungstate or ammonium paratung state, lanthanum oxide from a precursor such as lanthanum nitrate hexahydrate, cerium oxide from a precursor such as cerium nitrate hexahydrate, or silica from a precursor such as silicic acid
  • This can act to improve catalyst performance by maintaining a high BET surface area at elevated temperatures.
  • the titania particles of the seventh aspect are used as a catalyst or as a catalytic support in an application selected from the group consisting of: emissions catalysis; catalysis
  • the particles are used as a catalyst or as a catalytic support in an application selected from the group consisting of: selective catalytic reduction of nitrogen-based gases (including in combined diesel particle filter/ selective catalytic reduction units); desulphurisation of gases in the petroleum industry by the Claus process; and photocatalytic cleaning, purification or disinfection.
  • SCR selective catalytic reduction
  • novel particles of the seventh aspect are extruded under high pressure, through extrusion dies, to produce a catalytic product suitable for use in exhaust systems.
  • Active catalysts are mixed into the carrier prior to extruding.
  • Active catalysts may suitably be selected from the group consisting of: ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, iridium, platinum, osmium, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, silver, vanadium, tungsten, chromium and molybdenum, and combinations thereof.
  • platinum, palladium, tungsten and/or vanadium tend to be preferred.
  • the catalyst is platinum and/or vanadium.
  • novel particles of the seventh aspect may be mixed with any other desired materials (e.g. other carrier or support materials, or binder materials), before extrusion.
  • the particles may be mixed with a cordierite and a binder as well as with active catalyst material before then being extruded to form a catalyst product.
  • a process for preparing a catalyst product comprising the steps of:
  • the active catalyst material may be one or more active catalysts, preferably selected from those discussed above in relation to the eighth aspect.
  • the process also includes the step of mixing the particles with other carrier or support materials (e.g. ceramics, such as alumina or cordierite, or zeolites) and/or binder materials. This may be carried out before or after the step of mixing the particles with active catalyst material, but must be carried out before the extrusion step.
  • the step of providing dried titania particles according to the seventh aspect is carried out by carrying out the process of the sixth aspect.
  • the catalyst product made by the process of the ninth aspect is particularly suitable for use in exhaust systems. Due to the improved robustness of the titania particles in the product, the catalyst product has improved catalytic properties, because the titania particles retain their porosity even after the extrusion process involved in the manufacturing process. As will be appreciated by the skilled reader, improved porosity for the carrier/support is influential on the properties of a catalyst product.
  • a catalyst product comprising titania and catalyst material, the catalyst product being obtainable by the process of the ninth aspect.
  • the present invention permits the control of the morphology of titania particles, both in terms of the overall shape of the particles (e.g . spherical or toroidal, smooth outer surface or rough outer surface, dense or hollow) and in terms of pore size (which in turn will impact on the specific surface area).
  • the present invention can be applied to titania particles of any size, as noted above there are issues surrounding use of nano materials in some areas and there is a desire for an alternative titania material that has a large specific surface area.
  • the titania particles may be sized so as to be larger than nanoparticles, e.g. they may be meso or macro particles.
  • the titania particles may have a particle size of greater than 0. 1 ⁇ .
  • the titania particles of the invention may suitably have a particle size of greater than 0. 15 ⁇ , e.g. of 0.2 ⁇ or more, 0.3 ⁇ or more, 0.4 ⁇ or more, 0.5 ⁇ or more, ⁇ . ⁇ or more, 0.7 ⁇ or more, 0.8 ⁇ or more, or 0.9 ⁇ or more.
  • the particle size is ⁇ . ⁇ or more, such as ⁇ . ⁇ ⁇ or more, 1.2 ⁇ or more, 1.3 ⁇ or more, 1.4 ⁇ or more, 1.5 ⁇ or more, ⁇ . ⁇ or more, 1.7 ⁇ or more, 1.8 ⁇ or more, or 1.9 ⁇ or more.
  • the particle size may be 2.0 ⁇ or more.
  • the titania particles may have a particle size of from 0.2 ⁇ to 15 ⁇ , such as from 0.5 ⁇ to 12 ⁇ , e.g. from 0.7 ⁇ to ⁇ ⁇ or from 0.8 ⁇ to 8 ⁇ , such as from ⁇ ⁇ to 6 ⁇ or from 1.5 ⁇ to 5 ⁇ or from 2 ⁇ to 4 ⁇ .
  • the particle size is a geometric weight mean value for the particle size (appropriate for the approximately log normal distribution which is often found with such particles).
  • the particle size may alternatively be determined by laser diffraction and may be measured using a laser diffraction machine, such as those available from Malvern Instruments Ltd, e.g. a MasterSizer machine.
  • the particle size may alternatively be determined by X-ray sedimentation and may be measured using a X-ray disc centrifuge, such as those available from Brookhaven, e.g. a BI-XDC machine.
  • Crystal size is distinct from particle size.
  • Crystal size relates to the size of the fundamental crystal units having internally consistent lattice planes, which make up the particulate material.
  • Conventional manufacturing processes that manufacture titanium dioxide as a pigment will generate crystallites during a precipitation process; these are considered fundamental particles and are generally accepted to be in the order of ⁇ ⁇ .
  • the crystallites self-assemble into "rafts" known as micelles. These are lenticular in shape and generally have an aspect ratio of about 3 : 1 , having a major axis of about 35 ⁇ for rutile and about 600A for anatase.
  • Conventional manufacturing processes that manufacture titanium dioxide as a pigment will incorporate a thermal processing step that causes the crystal centres of these crystallites to combine and create much larger crystals.
  • conventional titanium dioxide product in a rutile crystal form has a crystal size of about 0. 17 ⁇ - 0.29 ⁇ and a particle size of about 0.25 ⁇ - 0.40 ⁇ while conventional titanium dioxide product in an anatase crystal form has a crystal size of about 0. 10 ⁇ - 0.25 ⁇ and a particle size of about 0.20 ⁇ - 0.40 ⁇ .
  • the particle size is thus affected by factors such as the crystal size and incomplete fusion of crystals - as well as milling techniques used during production, such as dry, wet or incorporative milling, and subsequent treatments that cause aggregation of crystals.
  • the crystal size and particle size of the titanium dioxide may be determined by methods well known to those skilled in the art. For example, the crystal size may be determined by transmission electron microscopy on a rubbed out sample with image analysis of the resulting photograph. The results of the crystal size may further be validated by reference using latex NANOSHPHERETM Size Standards (available from Thermo Scientific). As noted above, a method which may be used for determining the particle size of the titanium dioxide is laser diffraction. X-ray sedimentation may be used as an alternative. The particle size of the titanium dioxide may therefore be greater than or about equal to the crystal size.
  • titanium dioxide In general, to produce titanium dioxide, natural ores (such as ilmenite and mineral rutile), enriched ores (such as titanium slag and beneficiated ilmenite), or mixtures thereof may be used as the starting raw material. These ores may be processed by any suitable means, such as the sulphate process or the chloride process, to produce titanium dioxide crystallites and micelles of a required purity and size. This is known in the art and is conventional. It will be appreciated that the titanium dioxide as provided in sol form in the process of the invention can, on the whole, be obtained by any suitable technique and the invention is not limited to any method of manufacture. However, it may be preferred to use the sulphate process as this then permits the use of a controlled nucleation during preparation of the titania sol by a Mecklenburg, Blumenfeld or other precipitation step in this sulphate process.
  • the conditions discussed above may be controlled in order to select the pore diameters of the titania particles (i.e. the actual pores within the particles themselves, as compared to the packing between particles or the pores within the micelles that make up the particles).
  • the titania particles of the invention may have pore diameters which are greater than 2nm.
  • the titania particles are mesoporous, having pore diameters which are greater than 2nm but less than 50nm, e.g. from 3nm to 45nm or from 5nm to 40nm. In other embodiments, the titania particles are macroporous, having pore diameters which are 50nm or greater, e.g. from 50nm up to l OOOnm or from 50nm to 500nm.
  • the pore diameters may be from 4nm to 50nm, e.g. from 5nm to 50nm or from l Onm to 50nm, such as from 20nm to 45nm or from 25nm to 40nm.
  • Pore diameter may be measured using mercury porosimetry (for a pore diameter range of about 3nm up to 200 ⁇ ), e.g. using a Micromeritics AutoPore IV porosimeter, and/or by nitrogen isotherms (for pore diameters in the nanometre range), e.g. using a Micromeritics TriStar 3020TM machine.
  • One or more of the conditions discussed above may be controlled in order to select the specific surface area of the titania particles.
  • the titania particles of the invention may have a specific surface area which is greater than 100m 2 /g.
  • the titania particles of the invention may have a specific surface area of greater than 125m 2 /g, e.g.
  • they have a specific surface area of 200m 2 /g or higher, such as 210m 2 /g or higher, or 220m 2 /g or higher, or 225m 2 /g or higher. In one embodiment, they have a specific surface area of 230m 2 /g or higher, such as 235m 2 /g or higher, or 245m 2 /g or higher or 250m 2 /g or higher.
  • the titania particles have a specific surface area of 260m 2 /g or higher, or 270m 2 /g or higher, or 275m 2 /g or higher, or 280m 2 /g or higher, or 290m 2 /g or higher. It may even be that the titania particles of the invention have a specific surface area of greater than 300m 2 /g.
  • the specific surface area for the titania particles of the invention is up to 350m 2 /g, or up to 400m 2 /g, or up to 450m 2 /g, or up to 500m 2 /g. This may for example, apply in an embodiment where the crystal size is about is 4nm.
  • the specific surface area may be determined using the Brunauer, Emmett and Teller method (BET method) as described in J. Am. Chem. Soc, 1938, 60, 309.
  • BET method Brunauer, Emmett and Teller method
  • One or more of the conditions discussed above may be controlled in order to control the shapes of the titania particles.
  • the titania particles of the invention have shapes that are spherical, or it may be that the shapes are ellipsoids (e.g. a prolate (elongated) spheroid or an oblate (flattened) spheroid), or it may be that the shapes are toroidal (doughnut-shaped), or they may appear cotton-wool like or fluffy.
  • the titania particles of the invention have smooth outer surfaces or the outer surfaces may be rough.
  • a titania sol is a colloidal suspension of Ti0 2 particles.
  • the Ti0 2 particles used may be anatase, rutile or amorphous or a mixture thereof.
  • a sol is a colloidal suspension of solid particles in a liquid.
  • a colloid is a suspension of particles whereby the particle size is small enough so as not to be affected by gravitational forces and so the particles remain suspended over an extended period of time under standard conditions, e.g. for a day or more, a week or more, or a month or more (such as a year or more) at room temperature and pressure.
  • the liquid in which the titanium dioxide particles are provided is preferably polar.
  • the liquid is aqueous; this may be water or an aqueous solution.
  • polar carriers for the particles could also be contemplated, e .g. they may be selected from polar organic solvents or alcohols.
  • the liquid carrier may also be a mixture of two or more polar carriers, e .g., it may be a mixture of water and alcohol.
  • the titania particles in the titania sol may be derived from any suitable precursor.
  • they are derived from a titanium dioxide obtained from a sulphate manufacturing process (e.g. a Mecklenburg or Blumenfeld precipitation). They may, in one embodiment, be derived from a titanium dioxide obtained from a titanium oxysulphate precursor.
  • the titania sol is produced from Ti0 2 prepared by a precipitation step in a sulphate process (e.g. a Mecklenburg or Blumenfeld precipitation).
  • the obtained titania hydrate may be filtered, washed free of impurities, and contacted with an aqueous base to form a suspension having a pH of about neutral.
  • Sulphate ions can then be removed from the neutralized suspension by filtration and washing. It may be that the filter cake obtained after filtration is washed until the S0 4 2" content of the wash filtrate is less than 0. 1 g/1 (which may be determined by barium chloride solution titration) .
  • the filter cake is then slurried in water to produce an aqueous suspension of titania hydrate. This can then be peptized with acid pH adjustment (e.g. with a strong monoprotic acid pH adjustment) to provide the nano titania sol.
  • the titania sol that is provided is a concentrated, neutral titania sol made in accordance with the process described in WO201 1/033286.
  • the titania sol that is provided has been obtained by preparing a pulp via a sulphate process (e.g. with a Mecklenburg or Blumenfeld precipitation) . Said pulp is then neutralised (e.g. with aqueous ammonia). Optionally, the material is washed free from sulphates. The slurry is then peptised (e.g. using hydrochloric acid).
  • the iso-electric point of the titania is lowered (e.g. with the addition of citric acid).
  • the slurry may then be neutralised (e .g. with monoisopropanolamine) .
  • Excess soluble salts may then be removed to a desired conductivity, e.g. using cross- flow filtration, followed by water removal to concentrate the sol.
  • the present invention is based around the ability to control the pore size in the particles and the ability to control the shape of the particles, to obtain a particulate product that has characteristics suitable for a given end use.
  • the factors to be controlled in the present invention are described in more detail below:
  • micelles are the fundamental structural units of titania manufactured from the sulphate process. During the sulphate process crystallites precipitate out from a titanium and sulphuric acid solution; these are of the order of I OOA in diameter. The micelles are then formed by these crystallites being bound together by sulphate ions and water; usually these stable micelles are formed from hundreds of crystallites. The micelles are lenticular in shape and the major axis is usually sized of the order of 600A.
  • the size of the micelles created at precipitation may be controlled by varying the level of nuclei used in the process for preparing the sol.
  • nuclei which are finely sized titania particles
  • the size of the micelles created at precipitation may be controlled by varying the level of nuclei used in the process for preparing the sol.
  • nuclei which are finely sized titania particles
  • self nucleation occurs, and the conditions are controlled to impact the extent of self nucleation.
  • Other precipitation methods are also known and during these precipitation methods the size of the micelles can likewise be controlled.
  • each micelle contains one nucleus and that the number of micelles remains constant during precipitation.
  • the number of micelles is a function of the number of nucleating sites introduced.
  • the ultimate size of the micelle is therefore also a function of the number of nucleating sites: the more nucleating sites available, the smaller the final micelles.
  • These micelle particles will then flocculate into larger, less well defined particles in a standard precipitation; these are generally in the order of up to ⁇ 2 ⁇ in a standard sulphate process precipitation.
  • aqueous TiOS0 4 (referenced as the "TiOS0 4 -containing liquor”) is introduced at a carefully controlled rate into a volume of water (referenced as the "foot water”) that is initially large in volume in comparison with the volume of the added T1OSO 4 solution (TiOS0 - containing liquor).
  • foot water a volume of water that is initially large in volume in comparison with the volume of the added T1OSO 4 solution (TiOS0 - containing liquor).
  • nuclei are created in situ or ex situ. Where nucleation is ex situ, smaller pores will result from use of greater quantities of nuclei. Where nucleation is in situ, the reaction time may be shortened or the dilution increased, to reduce pore size.
  • the nano titania sol that is provided is one where the precipitated titania micelles have been controlled so as to be sized from 10 to 150nm or more, (e.g. from 10 to 200nm) such as from 15 to 125nm, or from 20 to l OOnm.
  • the nano titania sol that is provided is one where the precipitated titania micelles have been controlled so as to be sized from 10 to 60nm, such as from 15 to 55nm, and preferably from 20 to 50nm.
  • they may be sized from 20 to 45nm or from 20 to 40nm or from 25 to 45nm or from 25 to 40nm.
  • the sol is prepared with a nucleation level of 0. 1 wt% or higher, such as 0.5wt% or higher. In one embodiment, the sol is prepared with a nucleation level of 15wt% or less. In one embodiment, the sol is prepared with a nucleation level of from 1 to 15wt%. By controlling the nucleation level to be at the lower end of the range, e.g. from 0.
  • the sol is prepared using a drop ratio (ratio of liquor to water used by volume) of 50:50 or higher, such as 60:40 or higher. In one embodiment, the sol is prepared using a drop ratio of 99: 1 or less. In one embodiment, the sol is prepared using a drop ratio of from 50: 50 to 99: 1.
  • a drop ratio ratio of liquor to water used by volume
  • the drop ratio is controlled to be from about 60:40 to 99: 1.
  • the drop ratio is controlled to be from about 60:40 to 80:20, or from 50: 50 to 78 :22, or from 50: 50 to 75 :25, or from 60: 40 to 75 : 25, or from 70: 30 to 75 :25.
  • the drop ratio is controlled to be from about 60:40 to 80:20. By controlling the drop ratio to be at the higher end of the range, e.g.
  • the drop ratio is controlled to be from about 80:20 to 95 :5. Controlled flocculation by pH control
  • the pH of the slurry can be controlled in order to the affect the extent to which the titania sol is flocculated.
  • the nano titania sol used in the process is flocculated, such that the sol as provided for drying is flocculated to a desired extent.
  • the flocculation can be controlled so as to control the pore size and/or specific surface area and/or particle shape of the resultant dried titania particles.
  • the pH may be adjusted to be closer to the iso-electric point of the titania, so there is a greater degree of flocculation, or the pH may be adjusted to be further from the isoelectric point of the titania, so there is a lesser degree of flocculation.
  • the iso-electric point is normally at a pH of from 5 to 6.
  • the pH adjustment may be effected using acid (to lower the pH) or using base (to raise the pH) .
  • a strong monoprotic acid may be used, e.g. a monoprotic acid that has a pKa less than or equal to - 1.0, especially one having a pKa less than or equal to - 1.5, and in one embodiment having a pKa less than or equal to - 1.74.
  • acids that may be used include hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid and nitric acid.
  • hydrochloric acid is used.
  • a strong monoprotic base may be used, e.g. a monoprotic base that has a pKb less than or equal to 1.0, especially one having a pKb less than or equal to 0.5, and in one embodiment having a pKa less than or equal to 0.3.
  • bases that may be used include sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide .
  • acid or base may be added in a controlled manner such that the pH is adjusted to be close to the iso-electric point or away from the iso-electric point.
  • the pH is adjusted to be close to the iso-electric point, the slurry is less dispersed (more flocculated). This leads towards larger pore sizes. It also leads towards particles that have a rough outer surface and that appear "fluffy".
  • the pH can suitably be adjusted to be in the range of from 4 to 7, preferably from 4.5 to 6.5, such as from 5 to 6.
  • the pH is adjusted to be within 2.5 pH units of the iso-electric point, preferably within 2 pH units, more preferably within 1.5 pH units, and most preferably within 1 pH unit of the iso-electric point, so as to obtain larger pore sizes and/or to obtain particles that have a rough outer surface and that appear "fluffy".
  • the pH is adjusted to be away from the iso-electric point, the slurry is more dispersed (less flocculated). This leads towards smaller pore sizes. It also leads towards particles that have a smooth outer surface and that are either toroidal or spherical.
  • the pH can be adjusted to be in the range of from 0.5 to 4, preferably from 1 to 3.5 , or from 1 to 3 , such as from 1 .5 to 3.
  • the pH can be adjusted to be in the range of from 7 to 12, preferably from 7.5 to 1 1.5, such as from 8 to 1 1.
  • the pH is adjusted to be 3 pH units or more from the iso-electric point, preferably 3.5 pH units or more from the iso-electric point, more preferably 4 pH units or more from the iso-electric point, and most preferably 4.5 pH units or more, such as 5 units or more, or 5.5 units or more, from the iso-electric point, so as to obtain smaller pore sizes and/or to obtain particles that have a smooth outer surface and that are either toroidal or spherical.
  • a titania sol it is known to peptise the slurry. This is carried out using acid, especially a strong monoprotic acid, e.g. a monoprotic acid that has a pKa less than or equal to - 1.0, especially one having a pKa less than or equal to - 1.5, and in one embodiment having a pKa less than or equal to - 1.74.
  • a strong monoprotic acid e.g. a monoprotic acid that has a pKa less than or equal to - 1.0, especially one having a pKa less than or equal to - 1.5, and in one embodiment having a pKa less than or equal to - 1.74.
  • hydrochloric acid is used.
  • this peptisation step may be carried out in a controlled manner such that the pH is adjusted either to be closer to the iso-electric point or to be away from the iso-electric point.
  • the iso-electric point of the titania can be controlled in order to the affect the extent to which the titania sol is flocculated.
  • the nano titania sol used in the process is flocculated, such that the sol as provided for drying is flocculated to a desired extent.
  • the flocculation may occur during the formation of the sol or after its formation.
  • the sol as provided for drying must be flocculated.
  • the flocculation can be controlled so as to control the pore size and/or specific surface area and/or particle shape of the resultant dried titania particles.
  • the iso-electric point may be adjusted so as to be closer to the pH of the slurry/sol, so there is a greater degree of flocculation, or the iso-electric point may be adjusted to be further from the pH of the slurry/sol, so there is a lesser degree of flocculation.
  • the iso-electric point is normally at a pH of from 5 to 6. However, this iso-electric point can be adjusted, e.g. by the addition of a dispersant, which can raise or lower the iso-electric point. It may be that the iso-electric point is adjusted before, during or after the peptisation stage of sol formation. In one embodiment, this adjustment may be carried out at the peptisation stage of sol formation.
  • the slurry When the iso-electric point is adjusted to be close to the pH, the slurry is less dispersed (more flocculated). This leads towards larger pore sizes. It also leads towards particles that have a rough outer surface and that appear "fluffy".
  • the iso-electric point is adjusted to be within 3 pH units of the pH, preferably within 2.5 pH units, more preferably within 2 pH units, e.g. within 1.5 units, and most preferably within 1 pH unit of the pH, so as to obtain larger pore sizes and/or to obtain particles that have a rough outer surface and that appear "fluffy".
  • the slurry When the iso-electric point is adjusted to be away from the pH, the slurry is more dispersed (less flocculated). This leads towards smaller pore sizes. It also leads towards particles that have a smooth outer surface and that are either toroidal or spherical.
  • the iso-electric point is adjusted to be 3 pH units or more from the pH, preferably 3.5 pH units or more from the pH, more preferably 4 pH units or more from the pH, and most preferably 4.5 pH units or more, such as 5 units or more, or 5.5 units or more, from the pH, so as to obtain smaller pore sizes and/or to obtain particles that have a smooth outer surface and that are either toroidal or spherical.
  • the controlled flocculation is achieved by contacting the nano titania sol with a dispersant.
  • the dispersant may suitably comprise one or more dispersant material selected from: water soluble carboxylic acids, water soluble salts of carboxylic acids, water soluble polycarboxylic acids, water soluble salts of polycarboxylic acids, phosphates and silicates.
  • the water soluble carboxylic acid is an a-hydroxy carboxylic acid.
  • the ⁇ -hydroxy carboxylic acid may comprise one, two or three carboxylic acid groups. Examples of the ⁇ -hydroxy carboxylic acid that can be used are lactic acid, glycolic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, mandelic acid and citric acid.
  • the water soluble carboxylic acid is a ⁇ -hydroxy carboxylic acid.
  • the water soluble polycarboxylic acid may be a dicarboxylic acid or a tricarboxylic acid.
  • citric acid may be a preferred choice due to its low cost and ready availability.
  • the dispersant will be added to the sol at a level so as to achieve the desired adjustment of the iso-electric point and hence to cause either more or less flocculation. Greater flocculation will lead to a larger size for the flocculated particles.
  • the dispersant is added to the sol in an amount of from 0. 1 to 15wt%, such as from 0.2 to 12wt% or from 0.5 to 10wt%.
  • the slurry will be at a pH close to the natural iso-electric point and therefore the use of a low amount of dispersant ensures that there is closeness between the iso- electric point and the pH.
  • the amount of dispersant may be from 0.1 to 5wt%, such as from 0.3 to 4wt% or from 0.5 to 3wt%, e .g. from 1 to 2.5wt%.
  • the use of a higher amount of dispersant ensures that there is a greater gap between the iso-electric point and the pH.
  • the amount of dispersant may be from 6 to 15wt%, such as from 7 to 13wt% or from 8 to 12wt%, e .g . about 9 to 10wt%.
  • the sol is then subjected to a drying process.
  • the temperature used during the drying step can be controlled so as to control the morphology of the resultant dried titania particles.
  • the temperature is controlled so as to control the particle shape of the resultant dried titania particles.
  • a higher drying temperature results in toroidal (doughnut shaped) particles and a lower drying temperature results in more spherically shaped particles.
  • the drying temperature is from 50 to 350°C, such as from 75 to 325°C, or from 100 to 300°C.
  • the use of a lower drying temperature results in more spherically shaped particles.
  • the drying temperature may be from 50 to 150°C, such as from 75 to 140°C, or from 100 to 125°C.
  • the drying temperature may be from 160 to 350°C, such as from 200 to 300°C, or from 220 to 280°C.
  • the drying process may suitably be spray drying or thermal drying.
  • the drying process is spray drying.
  • the sol as dried may in one embodiment have a solids content of from 1 % to 35% wt/wt, e.g. from 2 to 25% wt/wt or from 5 to 20% wt/wt or from 10 to 18% wt/wt.
  • any known drying process may be used. This includes freeze drying, thermal drying and spray drying.
  • the titania particles are washed, but this is not essential. If the particles are washed, it may be that the washing is carried out to reduce the level of salts and thus the conductivity. In one embodiment washing is carried out to give a conductivity of less than 2ms/cm.
  • the particles are not washed.
  • Optional components are not washed.
  • titania Depending on the intended end use of the titania, other components can also be present during the manufacture of the titania. These may, for example, be incorporated into the sol before the sol is dried.
  • one or more active catalytic components such as tungsten or vanadium, are included during the manufacture of the titania particles. These make the product suitable for catalytic reduction units, such as SCR (selective catalytic reduction) units for automobile and static applications.
  • SCR selective catalytic reduction
  • one or more thermal stabiliser components such as silica, ceria or lanthana, are included during the manufacture of the titania particles. These assist with ensuring large specific surface areas can be maintained when the product is used in applications where elevated temperatures occur.
  • one or more templating agents such as polystyrene latex nano spheres (PSL), may be used. PSL or any other templating agent can be mixed with the sol prior to dying. The resultant particle can then be further heat treated to remove the templating agent to form highly porous particles.
  • Templating agents are known to those skilled in the art and the use of templating agents is discussed in, for example, Nandiyanto et el, Chemical Engineering Journal 152 (2009) 293-296.
  • the products obtained by the invention can be provided with a higher level of internal pores.
  • the present invention may be used to manufacture titania particles suitable for use in numerous applications, as described further below.
  • the skilled person will be able to identify desired morphology characteristics of the titania, e.g. in terms of pore size and/or particle shape, and can then control the manufacturing method as described above to obtain said desired characteristics.
  • the particles are in the manufacture of catalyst products, e.g. the particles may be used as a catalyst support, but other suitable end uses are also contemplated, as discussed below.
  • the titania particles may be produced in a manner that gives rise to large pore sizes, and hence high surface areas, when end uses are envisaged that involve providing the titania as a catalytic support, such as in relation to emissions catalysts.
  • the titania particles may be used as a carrier for catalysts used to reduce or eliminate noxious gases prior to release to the atmosphere.
  • uses include applications in mobile road systems (such as cars, motorcycles and trucks); mobile non-road applications (such as rail and marine) and static applications (such as power stations and waste incinerators).
  • Catalysts that can be provided on the titania particles include ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, iridium, platinum, osmium, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, silver, vanadium, tungsten, chromium and molybdenum. In these fields platinum, palladium and vanadium tend to be preferred. These catalysts can convert nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and sulphur oxides into less noxious substances. Tungsten is also used, especially in selective catalytic reduction. Selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of nitrogen-based gases is possible in the presence of ammonia.
  • SCR Selective catalytic reduction
  • nitrogen-based gases include nitric oxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (N0 2 ) and nitrous oxide (N 2 0); these have detrimental affects environmentally such as contributing to ground level ozone, generation of acid rain and global warming. They also cause and/or aggravate medical issues, such as respiratory problems.
  • NO nitric oxide
  • N0 2 nitrogen dioxide
  • N 2 0 nitrous oxide
  • Removal of these gases can be achieved by passing emissions gases together with ammonia over a catalyst, such as platinum or vanadium.
  • a catalyst such as platinum or vanadium.
  • Titania, alumina and zeolites are common catalytic carriers that can provide this large surface area.
  • the catalytic porous titania is present on a support.
  • support materials include glass, ceramic, metal, plastic, cement, concrete, asphalt, textile and paper.
  • the support may be porous or non-porous.
  • porous supports include a mat of fibers, a zeolite, or a porous film.
  • the term "on a support” refers to the catalytic porous titania being provided on at least a portion of a surface of the support. If the support is porous, the term "on a support” further includes the possibility that catalytic porous titania is present within some or all of the pores of the support.
  • the titania particles can be used as a carrier or washcoat for selective catalytic reduction units. In such an embodiment, it will be desired to prepare titania particles that have large pore sizes, because then the porous titania will impart a large surface area.
  • the titania particles may be prepared so as to have a toroidal shape because this shape may lend itself to improved permeability when used in applications such as selective catalytic reduction (SCR) units for automobile and static applications.
  • SCR selective catalytic reduction
  • the titania sol when preparing the particles, may be mixed with active catalysts prior to spray drying.
  • active catalysts include ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, iridium, platinum, osmium, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, silver, tungsten, vanadium, chromium and molybdenum.
  • titania particles are prepared that have large pore sizes, because then the porous titania will impart a large surface area, and the titania sol is mixed with compounds prior to spray drying that help maintain its large surface area when exposed to elevated temperatures.
  • titania used for ceramic extrusions or as washcoats can be prone to a reduction in surface area as a result of the elevated temperatures at which the catalysts are operated. By using certain compounds, this effect can be mitigated.
  • These compounds include tungsten (vi) oxide from a precursor such as ammonium metatungstate or ammonium paratung state, lanthanum oxide from a precursor such as lanthanum nitrate hexahydrate, cerium oxide from a precursor such as cerium nitrate hexahydrate and silica from a precursor such as silicic acid.
  • tungsten (vi) oxide from a precursor such as ammonium metatungstate or ammonium paratung state
  • lanthanum oxide from a precursor such as lanthanum nitrate hexahydrate
  • cerium oxide from a precursor such as cerium nitrate hexahydrate
  • silica from a precursor such as silicic acid.
  • Such compounds may be added to the sol prior to spray drying. These may be incorporated immediately prior to spray drying, or may be added during parts of the sulphate process.
  • ammonium metatungstate may be incorporated into the precipitation step of the sulphate process.
  • porous titania in the manufacture of diesel particle filter (DPF)/ SCR combination units.
  • DPF diesel particle filter
  • SCR selective catalytic reduction
  • titania may be coated with silica or the like to provide improved thermal stability.
  • the titania particles may be produced in a manner that gives rise to large pore sizes, and hence high surface areas. This may be beneficial when end uses are envisaged that involve providing the titania as a catalytic support, such as in relation to chemical catalysts.
  • Examples include the desulphurisation of gases in the petroleum industry by the Claus process, whereby the porous titania beads act as a catalyst to promote the hydrolysis of carbonyl sulphide and carbon disulphide to hydrogen sulphide and carbon dioxide .
  • Titania is known to give an improved conversion rate compared to alumina based catalysts.
  • the porous titania will impart improved gas to solid contact and so enhance chemical catalysis processes such as the Claus process.
  • the porous titania may be mixed with a binder and extruded to create high surface area titania pellets for use as a chemical catalyst or chemical catalyst support.
  • the porous titania beads or extrudate may undergo an impregnation process, whereby catalytic promoters such as molybdenum, nickel, cobalt etc. or a mixture thereof, may be impregnated into the pores of the porous titania.
  • catalytic promoters such as molybdenum, nickel, cobalt etc. or a mixture thereof
  • thermal stabiliser such as ammonium metatungstate or ammonium paratungstate, lanthanum oxide from a precursor such as lanthanum nitrate hexahydrate, cerium oxide from a precursor such as cerium nitrate hexahydrate and silica from a precursor such as silicic acid
  • a thermal stabiliser such as ammonium metatungstate or ammonium paratungstate, lanthanum oxide from a precursor such as lanthanum nitrate hexahydrate, cerium oxide from a precursor such as cerium nitrate hexahydrate and silica from a precursor such as silicic acid
  • the titania particles may be produced in a manner that gives rise to large pore sizes, and hence high surface areas. This may be beneficial when catalytic end uses are envisaged, such as in relation to photocatalysis.
  • Ti0 2 is an efficient and benign photocatalyst. Photons with an energy greater than or equal to the band gap of Ti0 2 (3.2eV for the anatase phase) that strike a Ti0 2 crystal, energise an electron which in turn jump from the valance band into an unoccupied conduction band. This results in electron pairs in the conduction band and positive electron holes in the valence band. These in turn can then react with 0 2 to form the hydroxyl radical of 0 2 ⁇ and with H 2 0 to form the hydroxyl radical OH respectively. These radicals are extremely reactive and will degrade organic matter.
  • a porous titania with a large surface area can be provided, as this will result in more electron pairs and holes at the surface and will therefore be more photocatalytic. It may be used for self cleaning purposes when incorporated into materials such as exterior coatings, concrete, tiles, extruded ceramic fascias, plastics, textiles etc.
  • a titania material that is porous but that is not nano sized (e.g. with a particle size of lmicron or more) can be provided, which will result in lower degree of light scattering / lower refractive index, permitting the porous titania to be used for self cleaning in coloured systems while having a lower tinting strength compared to pigmentary titania.
  • dopants can be added during the production of the titania particles. This leads to further improvements in catalytic efficacy in the porous titania. Additionally, certain dopants can alter the band gap and so can alter the responsiveness of the catalyst at different wavelengths of light.
  • dopants include i) noble metals: gold, nickel, nitrogen, palladium, platinum, rhodium, silver, tin and vanadium, ii) cationic metals: aluminium, cerium, chromium, cobalt, copper, erbium, europium, gadolimium, iron, lanthanum, manganese, molybdenum, neodymium, nickel, osmium, praseodymium, rhenium, ruthenium, samarium, vanadium and zinc and iii) anionic non- metals: carbon, fluorine, nitrogen, phosphorus and sulphur.
  • the catalytic porous titania may be mixed with a reactant fluid and irradiated with visible light to provide for a chemical reaction of one or more components of the reactant fluid.
  • the catalytic porous titania may then be recovered from the fluid and recycled for use in another portion of the reactant fluid.
  • the catalytic porous titania may be used in place of general metal catalysts such as cobalt, nickel, copper, gold, iridium, lanthanum, nickel, osmium, platinum, palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, silver, strontium, yttrium, zirconium and tin.
  • the catalytic porous titania is present on a support, and the reactant fluid may flow in contact with the support and the composition, and when irradiated with light, provides for a chemical reaction of one or more components of the reactant fluid.
  • the catalytic porous titania may be exposed to a constant stream of fluid and does not require separation of the catalytic porous titania from the fluid after the reaction is performed.
  • a catalytic porous titania may be applied to a support, for example an automobile exhaust system, where the exhaust system has been fitted with a visible or UV light source, such as a fiber optic light source or an LED light source . Irradiation of the catalytic porous titania during operation of the automobile engine may provide for degradation of organics and other pollutants generated in the engine into environmentally acceptable substances.
  • the catalytic porous titania may be present on a surface that is contacted with various environmental contaminants or pollutants, such as dirt, grease and other organic and inorganic contaminants and pollutants.
  • the catalytic porous titania optionally in the form of a formulation comprising the catalytic porous titania, is applied to the surface and the surface is irradiated with UV/visible light while the contaminants or pollutants contact the surface.
  • the surface Upon exposure to UV/visible light, the surface becomes "self-cleaning" because it degrades or inactivates the contaminants or pollutants.
  • self-cleaning glass may have a transparent or translucent coating of the catalytic porous titania applied on one or both sides of the glass.
  • the catalytic porous titania may be present on a surface that is exposed to microbes (such as bacteria and fungi) and/or viruses. Upon exposure to UV/visible light, such a surface may be a "disinfecting surface" because it destroys or inactivates microbes and/or viruses that are present on the surface.
  • a surface in residential, commercial or hospital environments may have a coating of the catalytic porous titania applied on the surface. Microbes and/or viruses that contact the surface may then be destroyed or inactivated when the surface is exposed to UV/visible light. Examples of surfaces that may be made into disinfecting surfaces include countertops, flooring, walls, handles, switches, knobs, keypads, telephones, bed frames and surfaces of medical instruments.
  • the catalytic porous titania may also be applied to a surface to provide temporary disinfection of the surface .
  • the catalytic porous titania may be introduced into a cleaning composition.
  • the cleaning composition may be in the form of a liquid, foam or a lotion.
  • Application of the cleaning composition to a surface, followed by exposure of the surface to UV/visible light, may cause the destruction or inactivation of microbes or viruses that are present on the surface.
  • Such cleaning compositions may be formulated for use on skin to provide a disinfecting personal care product.
  • the catalytic porous titania may be used in composite materials, including polymer composites, fabrics and nonwoven materials.
  • the catalytic porous titania may be incorporated with fibers into textile fabrics. These fabrics may provide for degradation of contaminants in contact with the fabric when exposed to UV/visible light, resulting in self-cleaning and/or self- disinfecting fabrics.
  • the catalytic porous titania may also be used for air and/or water purification.
  • the catalytic porous titania may be mixed with contaminated air or water and irradiated with UV/visible light.
  • Contaminants in the air or water may be degraded into substances that are volatile or that are more easily separated from the air or water.
  • contaminants containing organic substances and halogenated substances may be degraded into carbon dioxide and halide ions, which may then be separated from the air or water.
  • the degradation of contaminants such as NO and N0 2 either individually or collectively and VOCs may also result in cleaner air and control of odours in the air.
  • titania particles may be prepared in accordance with the invention so as to be hollow, or porous with large size pores, or spherical with highly rough surfaces. These titania particles may be used as a carrier in a drug delivery system, whereby the active ingredient is impregnated into the hollow particle or into the pores of the highly porous particle.
  • titania particles may be prepared in accordance with the invention so as to be hollow, or porous with large size pores, or spherical with highly rough surfaces, and these particles are impregnated with an active ingredient and then coated in a degradable coating, whereby the coating is degraded following delivery, e.g. to the GI tract.
  • Types of delivery include immediate, thermo-sensitive release and controlled release .
  • titania particles with large pore sizes in a method whereby there is also impregnation of magnetite, or another detectable substance, into the porous titania.
  • the titania particles with large pore sizes are prepared, followed by the encapsulation of magnetite (or another detectable substance) by spray drying the titania sol with the magnetite or other detectable substance.
  • the particles prepared in this manner are suitable for use as intravascular probes for diagnostic purposes such as imaging.
  • titania particles with large pore sizes and/or hollow titania particles and/or highly rough spherical titania particles, in a method whereby there is also impregnation of active substance(s) into the hollow/ porous/rough surfaced titania.
  • active substance(s) may be used as a drug delivery system used for both active and passive targeting.
  • titania particles may be prepared in accordance with the invention so as to be hollow, or porous with large size pores, or spherical with highly rough surfaces. These titania particles may be used as a means to biodegrade packaging following a predetermined time period.
  • Nb dope for conductive coatings This involves encapsulating the particle with a compound that will photo-catalytically degrade over a predetermined time period. Said particle will then over time start to photo-catalytically degrade the packaging into which it is incorporated. Nb dope for conductive coatings
  • titania particles may be prepared in accordance with the invention so as to be hollow, or porous with large size pores. These titania particles may be doped with niobium. Accordingly, the semiconductor nature of the titania can be modified, so that the particles instead become a conductor. The particles may then be used in conductive coatings.
  • Porous or hollow titania particles that have a relatively large particle size (above nano size, e .g . 1 micron in diameter or more) exhibit a lower degree of light scattering compared to titania manufactured for its pigmentary properties. As a result, it is possible to create a transparent coating which can be utilised for display purposes.
  • porous or hollow titania particles are produced by the process of the invention and that have been doped with niobium during the production process. These exhibit transparency and conductivity and can be used in applications such as display screen equipment or organic light emitting diodes.
  • DSSCs Dye Sensitised Solar Cells
  • titania particles may be prepared in accordance with the invention so as to be porous with large size pores and so as to have a high surface area.
  • the semiconductor properties of the titania in combination with this large surface area and highly porous structure, means these particles may be used as semiconductor films in DSSCs (Dye Sensitised Solar Cells).
  • DSSCs Dynamic Sensitised Solar Cells
  • an electric current is produced when dye molecules are excited by exposure to light.
  • the excited dye molecules transfer electrons into the conduction band of the titania material, which conducts the electrons to a current collector connected to an electrical circuit with a load.
  • the highly porous structure of the titania gives a high surface area and therefore a high level of absorption of dye molecules onto the porous titania structure thus resulting in increased cell efficiency.
  • the porous titania material may be used as a semiconductor film in a flexible DSSC.
  • Low temperature curing is possible due to the improved primary particle contacts in the aggregated particles, thus resulting in effective electrical conductivity across the particles.
  • a DSSC can be created on a flexible plastic substrate that requires low curing temperatures.
  • a sensitizing dye for use in DSSCs can be added into the pore structure of the titania during manufacture of the titania or after the dried titania has been obtained.
  • the material would therefore be supplied pre-loaded with dye, thus eliminating the lengthy process of dying the electrode when fabricating DSSCs. This would reduce both the time and complexity of DSSC production, and potentially increase the dye absorption onto the catalytic material, therefore increasing the potential efficiency of the cell.
  • titania particles may be prepared in accordance with the invention so as to be porous with a controlled size of pores.
  • the titania particles can have their pore structures specifically "tuned" for the end use .
  • the Ti0 2 has dye adsorbed onto its surface and the more dye that is accessible by the electrolyte, and the more that is in contact with the Ti0 2, the better the electron transfer. Therefore by tuning the pore system (e.g. in terms of the number of pores, size of pores), the potential efficiency of the solar cell can be improved.
  • titania particles may be prepared in accordance with the invention so as to be porous with large size pores and so as to have a high surface area.
  • the particles are larger than nano size, e .g. 1 micron in diameter or more . Due to these particles having a relatively large particle size, along with the highly structured porous nature, similar to that of an aerogel, the particles will have a low refractive index. Therefore the particles can be used to provide a material, e.g. a coating, with UV protection properties.
  • the material may be transparent.
  • the porous titania can be given a coating of silica; this would lock in the photo-activity of the Ti0 2 , and hence make an excellent product for UV protection.
  • These particles could be used in personal care products and cosmetic formulations, such as sunscreens, moisturizers, color foundations, lipstick, lip balm, foot care products and ointments.
  • These particles could also be used in coatings and masonry formulations, such as in automotive coatings, wood coatings, building coatings, glass coatings, flooring, swimming pool surfaces, and cement or concrete coatings.
  • the porous titania particles could be silica coated to provide an effective UV protector for use in plastics.
  • the silica coated particles could be incorporated into a polymer, such as plastic containers, window frames, building sidings or the like, and could provide protection to the polymer from UV light. This would lead to greater durability and life span of the plastics exposed to UV light.
  • the particles may be encapsulated in silica, for example a stable nano silica sol may be mixed with the Ti0 2 sol prior to drying. The mix would then be spray dried in conditions to favor encapsulation; this would result in a titania bead encapsulated in silica, due to the smaller silica nano particles migrating to the outer edge of the droplet in the spray drying process. This would provide a particle fully encapsulated in silica and therefore provide a particle with effective UV protection properties that could be used in any situation where a UV protective coating is required.
  • the porous titania material can be doped with metals, such as Fe, Cr, Mn, Ce, Ni, Cu, Sn, Al, Pb, Ag, Zr, Zn, Co, Mo and W, or non-metals such as B, C, N, P, As, S, Se, Te, F, CI, Br and I.
  • metals such as Fe, Cr, Mn, Ce, Ni, Cu, Sn, Al, Pb, Ag, Zr, Zn, Co, Mo and W
  • non-metals such as B, C, N, P, As, S, Se, Te, F, CI, Br and I.
  • a co- precipitation can be used to dope transition metals into the titanium dioxide lattice, whereby a dopant is added to the titania sulphate liquor; this is then precipitated out resulting in doped titania. This would then improve the UV protection due to a change in band gap to reduce the photo-catalysis.
  • the porous titania may be subject to calcination; this converts the crystal structure from the anatase structure to the rutile structure. This therefore makes the particles less photoactive, as the rutile structure of titanium dioxide is less photoactive than that of the anatase form.
  • rutile titania particles may also be prepared in the sol in the first place . Use of rutile titania may be helpful in UV protection applications such as those noted above.
  • titania particles may be prepared in accordance with the invention so as to be porous with large size pores and so as to have a high surface area.
  • This porous titania material can be used as a base for CICP materials, due to its highly porous nature and high surface area.
  • the titanium dioxide base can be combined with one or more metal ions, such as antimony, chromium, nickel, manganese, iron, niobium, tin, tungsten, vanadium, zinc or cobalt. The mix can then be calcined to give highly coloured, high chroma pigments. Water Splitting
  • titania particles may be prepared in accordance with the invention so as to be porous with large size pores
  • the porous titania material may be used as a catalytic material for the production of hydrogen and oxygen via water splitting.
  • water containing the catalytic composition may be decomposed into hydrogen and oxygen by photo-catalysis when the water is irradiated with UV/visible light.
  • this decomposition may be carried out in a photo-chemical cell having a photo-anode containing a quaternary oxide .
  • the use of a photo- electrochemical cell has the benefit that it can provide for separate collection of hydrogen and oxygen from the cell.
  • titania particles may be prepared in accordance with the invention so as to be porous with large size pores
  • the porous titania material may be used as an electrode in a lithium-ion battery, due to the highly porous nature and the good inter-particle contacts in the aggregated particle .
  • This provides efficient transport of lithium ions and favoured ion-exchange ratio, which results in a high value of charge/discharge capacity and good kinetic characteristics.
  • titania particles may be prepared in accordance with the invention so as to be porous with large size pores and so as to have a high surface area.
  • the semiconductor and catalytic properties of the titania can be used for sensing gases. Therefore the titania particles may be used as a sensor material.
  • the sensing process is mainly a surface process between the Ti0 2 surface and the gas molecules; therefore the porous particles prove excellent candidates, due to the highly porous structure and large surface area.
  • Titanium dioxide can be used as a gas sensor because the electrical conductivity of titanium dioxide can change depending on the chemical composition of the environment.
  • the electrical resistance of the titania particles (or a material containing the titania particles) may be measured in an environment and compared with the electrical resistance in a control environment. The difference between the measured resistance and the control resistance may be correlated with the amount and/or identity of a gas in the environment.
  • gases examples include hydrogen, carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, and water, acetone, ethanol and methanol.
  • gases include hydrogen, carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, and water, acetone, ethanol and methanol.
  • Certain titanium dioxide based gas sensors can be used at low temperatures, whilst other are suited to elevated temperatures.
  • porous titania can be doped with metals such as Al, Pd, Pt, Nb, Cr, Pt, Ta, K and La; this will improve the selectivity and sensitivity of the porous titania particles for use as a gas analyser.
  • titania particles may be prepared in accordance with the invention so as to be porous with large size pores and so as to have a high surface area.
  • the porous titania particles can be used as a catalyst support in a fuel cell, especially in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC).
  • PEMFC proton exchange membrane fuel cells
  • a PEMFC works by using a fuel (usually hydrogen, but in some cases organic compounds such as methanol) .
  • the fuel cell consists of an anode, cathode and an electrolyte .
  • the anode consists of a catalyst (usually platinum); this oxidizes the fuel.
  • the positively charged particles travel through a polymer electrolyte membrane whereas the negatively charged electrons must run through an external circuit to the cathode, thus resulting in the generation of electricity.
  • the cathode also consists of a catalyst (usually platinum) to reduce the positively charged particles to H 2 0.
  • the platinum catalysts are usually supported on a porous carbon support; however porous titania particles made by the process of the invention would prove a effective support medium, due to their large surface area and excellent electron transfer properties. They will also have improved stability as compared to carbon supports.
  • titania particles may be prepared in accordance with the invention so as to be porous with large size pores and so as to have a high surface area.
  • the particles are larger than nano size, e .g. 1 micron in diameter or more .
  • the highly porous product with a large surface area and large particle size in combination with its catalytic composition, means the porous titania particles can be used in the field of water purification. Therefore the titania particles may be used as a water purification material.
  • the titania particles may be mixed with contaminated water and irradiated with UV/visible light.
  • Contaminants in the water may be degraded into substances that are volatile or that are more easily separated from the water.
  • contaminants containing organic substances and halogenated substances may be degraded into carbon dioxide and halide ions, which may then be separated from the water.
  • the porous titania particles made according to the process of the invention can have a larger than nano particle size, thus filtering the Ti0 2 particles from the water will be easier and more effective.
  • the particles still exhibit the beneficial properties of the nano titania, however, such as large surface area and high photocatalytic activity. Therefore the particles are as effective, if not more effective, than nano titanium dioxide particles.
  • the porous titania particles can be doped with metals, such as Fe, Cr, Mn, Ce, Ni, Cu, Sn, Al, Pb, Ag, Zr, Zn, Co, Mo and W, or non-metals such as B, C, N, P, As, S, Se, Te, F, CI, Br and I. This doping causes a change in the band gap and thus an increase in the photocatalytic properties, therefore increasing the effectiveness of its use in water purification systems.
  • Figure 1 is an image obtained by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the particles of the product obtained in Example 2.
  • Figure 2a is an image obtained using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of the particles of the product obtained using 6% nucleation at precipitation in Example 3.
  • Figures 2b-2f are images obtained using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of the micelles produced by sulphate precipitation at nucleation levels of 6%, 2%, 1 %, 0.5% and 0.1 %, respectively, in Example 3.
  • TEM transmission electron microscopy
  • Figures 3a-3e are images obtained by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the particles of the products obtained in Example 4 at pH values of 5.5, 4.5, 3.25, 2, and 1.5, respectively.
  • Figure 4a is an image obtained by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the particles of the product obtained in Example 6 prepared using 15% silica as a dopant.
  • Figure 4b is an image obtained by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the particles of the product obtained in Example 6 prepared using 10% W0 3 as a dopant.
  • Figures 5a-5d are images obtained by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the particles of the dried products obtained in Example 7 for a sol having 1 % solids at dryer inlet temperatures of 1 10°C, 150°C, 200°C, 250°C, respectively.
  • Figures 6a-6d are images obtained by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the particles of the dried products obtained in Example 7 for a sol having 10% solids at dryer inlet temperatures of 1 10°C, 150°C, 200°C, 250°C, respectively.
  • Figures 7a-7d are images obtained by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the particles of the dried products obtained in Example 7 for a sol having 17% solids at dryer inlet temperatures of 1 10°C, 150°C, 200°C, 250°C, respectively.
  • a concentrated anatase titania sol was obtained by a 6% nucleated precipitation that was carried out in accordance with the method of WO201 1/033286. Samples of the sol were thermally dried at (a) 105°C and (b) 200°C.
  • a concentrated titania sol was prepared using clean Scarlino rutile nuclei (washed free of salts, 0.5ms/cm).
  • the sol was produced as in method outlined in WO201 1/033286.
  • the washed Scarlino nuclei were peptised to pH 1.5, 10% citric acid was added, MIPA was added to take the pH to 8, and then the particles were washed to ⁇ 2ms/cm.
  • the concentrated sol was then spray dried at 17% at 1 10°C using a Lab Plant Super 7 laboratory spray drier.
  • the specific surface area of the sample was tested using the BET method.
  • the pore size and pore volume were measured by both mercury porosimetry and nitrogen isotherms.
  • Samples from each product were spray dried using a LabPlant SD-05 laboratory spray drier.
  • the pore size was measured using mercury porosimetry, using a Micromeritics AutoPore IV porosimeter.
  • a desired set of properties in the end product can be obtained by suitable control of the parameters in the process of manufacture of the titania.
  • a desired set of properties in the end product can be obtained by suitable control of the parameters in the process of manufacture of the titania.
  • a range of concentrated slurries were obtained by Mecklenberg precipitation, in accordance with the method of WO201 1/033286. A 6% nucleation level was used at precipitation.
  • the titania slurries were peptised with a peptising agent to achieve various pH levels ( 1 .5, 2, 3.25, 4.5 and 5.5). Hydrochloric acid was used as the peptising agent.
  • the flocculation size of the slurries was determined using X-ray sedimentation method on a Brookhaven machine (BI-XDC X-ray Disc Centrifuge).
  • a range of concentrated sols were prepared by Mecklenberg precipitation, in accordance with the method of WO201 1/033286. A 1.8% nucleation level was used at precipitation, peptisation was effected to pH 1.5, and citric acid (dispersant) was added. The sols were prepared with various levels of citric acid ( 1 %, 2.3%, 3% and 10%) as the dispersant, to give a range of sols with differing extents of flocculation. Subsequently, MIPA was added to take the pH to 8. The particles were then either left unwashed or were washed (to give a conductivity of ⁇ 2ms/cm). The sols were then spray dried using a LabPlant Super 7 laboratory spray dryer.
  • the dried samples were then analysed for surface area via the BET method and porosity by both mercury porosimetry and nitrogen isotherms.
  • ⁇ -0.6 nm pores within micelles.
  • the washing of the particles reduces the level of salt and therefore the conductivity. As the salt level (and therefore conductivity) is reduced, there are fewer charges present causing repulsion between particles and therefore the particles can pack together more closely. In addition, gaps are left behind that were previously filled by salts. This means that a higher surface area can be achieved.
  • the gelling behaviour of the sol appears to reduce when the conductivity is lowered, and higher concentrations of particles in the sol may be possible.
  • a range of sols were prepared using a Blumenfeld process with a 70: 30 drop ratio and a 10 minute drop time to give a modal micelle size of 23nm.
  • One sol was prepared in the standard method outlined in WO201 1/033286.
  • Another sol was doped with 10% W0 3 in the form of ammonium metatungstate at precipitation, and then processed according to the method outlined in WO201 1/033286.
  • a final sol was prepared with 10% silica added in the form of silicic acid; this was added after the peptisation stage, by passing sodium silicate through an ion exchange column to produce silicic acid, after this the sol was prepared as in WO201 1/033286.
  • the sols were then spray dried using a Lab Plant Super 7 laboratory spray dryer.
  • the spray dried porous titania samples were then calcined at 500°C for 5 hours, 1 day, 3 days and 7 days.
  • the specific surface areas of the calcined samples were then measured via the BET method.
  • a range of sols were prepared by the Mecklenberg method with a 6% nucleation level at precipitation.
  • the sols were prepared in the standard way and the diluted to different levels to give sols at a range of solids content ( 1 %, 10%, 17% & 25% wt/wt % solids).
  • the sols were then dried via a Lab Plant laboratory spray dryer, and particle size measured via the laser diffraction method using a Malvern Instruments Ltd MasterSizer instrument.
  • particle size can be controlled by controlling the solids content of the spray dryer feed, with higher solids contents leading to larger particles.
  • the inlet temperature to the dryer was altered ( 1 10°C, 150°C, 200°C, 250°C) to assess the effect of this drying temperature on sols with 1 % solids, 10% solids and 17% solids.
  • Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was carried out to image the particles of the dried products obtained. The obtained images are shown in Figures 5a-d ( 1 % solids), Figures 6a-d ( 10% solids) and Figures 7a-d ( 17% solids).
  • image a is after drying at 1 10°C
  • image b is after drying at 150°C
  • image c is after drying at 200°C
  • image d is after drying at 250°C.
  • particle shape can be controlled via the spray dryer inlet temperature.
  • a lower inlet temperature gives more spherical particles (which can be hollow), whilst a higher temperature leads to the formation of toroidal (doughnut shaped) particles.
  • a concentrated titania sol was obtained by precipitation that was carried out in accordance with the method of WO201 1/033286.
  • the samples used were from a 6% nucleated Mecklenburg precipitation, that had been peptised to pH 1 .5, addition with 10% citric acid, MIPA neutralised and CFF washed to ⁇ 2ms/cm.
  • the sol was spray dried using a laboratory scale Lab Plant Super 7 spray dryer, to form porous spherical particles.
  • the sol was at a solids concentration of 17% wt/wt, and was spray dried at a temperature of 1 10°C.
  • the dried particles were then dispersed in water at a concentration of l OOg/1.
  • the resulting dispersion was then milled for 30 minutes using a high shear Silverson mixer.
  • the particle size was measured using a Malvern Instruments Ltd MasterSizer laser diffraction instrument. Measurements were taken prior to milling (0 minutes), during milling (at 10 minutes and 20 minutes) and after milling (at 30 minutes) .
  • Milling time 0 min 10 min 20 min 30 min d(v,0.1) ⁇ 2.24 1.99 1.95 1.98 d(v, 0.5) ⁇ 6.55 6.09 5.98 5.79 d(4, 3) ⁇ 8.05 6.89 6.55 6. 18 d(v, 0.9) ⁇ 14.64 12.64 1 1.9 10.81
  • the particle size was measured using a Malvern Instruments Ltd MasterSizer laser diffraction instrument. Measurements were taken prior to milling (0 minutes), during milling (at 10 minutes and 20 minutes) and after milling (at 30 minutes) .
  • High shear mixing stability is important of a predictor of robustness and would indicate good resistance to mechanical stresses, including compressive forces such as those within catalyst installations.
  • This robustness may, for example, be important in end uses relating to catalysis, and especially where extrusion of is required in the manufacture of the catalyst product, such as in SCR and combined SCR/DPF.
  • the toroidal sample was one that had been spray dried at a concentration of 10% wt/wt solids and spray dried at 250°C (i.e. the product shown in Figure 6d).
  • the spherical sample was one that had spray dried at a concentration of 10% wt/wt solids and spray dried at 1 10°C (i.e. the product shown in Figure 6a) .
  • the toroidal particles obtained by the invention have improved porosity as compared to spherical particles obtained by the invention.
  • Concentrated titania sol products were obtained by precipitation that was carried out in accordance with the method of WO201 1/033286. These were obtained via the Blumenfeld method using various drop ratios. Each had a 10 minute drop time.
  • the micelle size of the titania sols were measured by CPS disc centrifuge particle size analyser. Samples from each product were spray dried using a LabPlant SD-05 laboratory spray drier. The specific surface areas of each of the dried samples were tested using the BET method. The pore size was measured using mercury porosimetry, using a Micromeritics AutoPore IV porosimeter.
  • the micelle size can be controlled and in turn the pore size can be controlled.
  • the drop ratio was raised from 70: 30 up towards 90: 10 the micelle size increased, the pore size increased, and the surface area decreased.

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JP2016543462A JP6753781B2 (ja) 2013-09-23 2014-09-22 チタニア粒子及びその製造方法
BR112016006256-6A BR112016006256B1 (pt) 2013-09-23 2014-09-22 Processo para produção de partículas de titânia e partículas de titânia
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