SDK’s Subsidiary Develops Titanium Oxide Fine Particles with High Photocatalytic Activity

Showa Titanium Co., Ltd., a consolidated subsidiary of Showa Denko K.K. (SDK), has developed titanium oxide fine particles for use in UV-light-responsive photocatalyst with highest-level activity. The product has been developed as part of a project sponsored by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO). Showa Titanium is conducting tests for volume production at its pilot plant, aiming to commercialize the product by the end of 2013.

Photocatalyst accelerates specific chemical reactions, using light energy. When used as photocatalyst, titanium oxide causes strong oxidation/reduction reactions in the presence of UV light, decomposing stains of organic substances. It also exhibits ultra hydrophilicity, causing water to spread as a thin film. Thus, titanium-oxide-based photocatalyst is expected to contribute to environmental purification using natural energy, for such applications as antifogging window glass and antifouling coating for external walls.

When titanium oxide particles become finer, their photocatalytic activity improves. However, fine particles of titanium oxide often develop crystal defect, resulting in lower efficiency in the use of light and lower photocatalytic activity. Showa Titanium has developed decahedral titanium oxide fine particles with minimized defect, by applying its gas-phase technology to produce titanium oxide nanoparticles for ceramic capacitors.

In addition to promoting the use of the new product in higher-activity photocatalyst, Showa Titanium will aim to develop new applications in the area of functional materials, using the advantage of “fine particles with minimized defect.”

Showa Titanium will introduce this new product at NEDO’s forum for reporting the results of “Project to Create Photocatalyst Industry for Recycling-oriented Society” to be held at Kokuyo Hall in Shinagawa Ward on October 25.