Characterization of doped TiO2 nanoparticle dispersions

Nanomaterial suspensions with different dopant types and compositions were investigated to examine their effects on agglomeration through the measurement of hydrodynamic diameter (HD), surface charge, and isoelectric point (IEP). Four different types of nanoparticles, all synthesized by a flame aerosol reactor, were considered for the analysis. The nanoparticles considered were pristine TiO2, Cu–TiO2, V–TiO2, and Pt–TiO2 with dopant concentrations ranging from 1 to 6 wt%. Measurements were conducted over a broad range of pH (3–11) and ionic strengths (0.001–0.1 M) to understand the roles of pH and ionic strength (IS) on dispersion characteristics. Calculations were made using the classical DLVO theory to explain the agglomeration behavior. The results indicate that dopant addition can change surface charge, hydrodynamic diameter, and shift the IEP to higher or lower pH than pristine TiO2, depending on the type of dopant and composition. Vanadium and platinum doping shifted the IEP to lower pH values, whereas copper doping shifted it to higher pH values. For each of the nanoparticles considered, pH and IS were found to have significant effects on the surface charge and HD, which were also verified by calculation from DLVO theory.