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Industrial Research And Consultancy Centre
Patent
Formation Of Sub-Stoichiometric Titanium Oxide In TIO2 Doped Powder And Composites By CO2 Laser Irradiation
Abstract

This patent presents a single-step, chemical-free method to fabricate titanium suboxides (TSO) by creating laser-induced oxygen vacancies on TiO2-doped polymer sheets using a CO2 infrared laser. The TSO formation is confirmed through XPS, XRD, and XAFS characterization techniques. The study explores the impact of laser settings, such as power and image density, on the reduction of TiO2 to TSO, offering a direct and efficient synthesis route for applications in electro-catalysis and photo-catalysis.

Uniqueness of the Solution

This invention presents a method for fabricating titanium suboxide (TSO)-graphene composites by preparing TiO2-doped polymer sheets and using CO2 infrared laser irradiation to convert TiO2 into TSO and form graphene. The preparation involves dissolving Polyether Sulfone (PES) powder in dichloromethane (DCM), mixing with TiO2 powder, and controlling DCM evaporation to create sheets of approximately 120 ± 5 µm thickness. Laser irradiation is performed in the presence of air with specific laser settings (PPI of 140, 15% power, 25% speed, and image density of 6). This method produces TSO-graphene composite sheets, which can be utilized to create laser-induced TSO-graphene composite electrodes.

  • Single-Step Process: Fabricates TSO-graphene composites in a single step, reducing complexity. 
  • Chemical-Free Method: Uses laser irradiation without the need for chemical reductants. 
  • Cost-Effective: Eliminates the need for high-temperature furnaces and multi-step processes. 
  • Rapid Fabrication: Achieves quick conversion of TiO2 to TSO with instantaneous photothermal heating.
Prototype Details

The prototype involves using a CO2 infrared laser to create titanium suboxide (TSO) by inducing oxygen vacancies on TiO2 doped polymer sheets. The process includes preparing the polymer sheets, laser irradiation with specific settings, and characterizing the TSO using XPS (X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy). TSO electrodes are fabricated for electrochemical applications like dye degradation and virus inactivation, demonstrating the effectiveness of the laser-induced TSO.

Current Status of Technology

Demonstration and/or validation in lab environment

Technology readiness level

6

Societal Impact
  • Clean Water Access: Improves water purification, providing safer drinking water and reducing waterborne diseases. 
  • Environmental Protection: Enhances pollution control, contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment. 
  • Sustainable Energy: Boosts efficiency and durability of renewable energy systems 
  • Public Health: Facilitates virus inactivation and pollution reduction
Relevant Industries, Domains and Applications

Water Purification, Renewable Energy, Pollution Control, Electronics, Electrochemical Devices

Applications or Domain
  • Water Purification: Electro-catalytic and photo-catalytic removal of organic dyes and viruses. 
  • Renewable Energy: Enhances solar cells and energy storage devices.
  • Pollution Control: Catalysts for air and water purification. 
  • Electronics: Improves sensors, displays, and semiconductors. Electrochemical Devices: Produces high-conductivity electrodes for batteries and supercapacitors.

Geography of IP

Type of IP

Application Number

202221014832

Filing Date
Grant Number

426680

Grant Date
Assignee(s)
Indian Institute of Technology Bombay