Surface treatment of TiO2 nanoparticles to improve dispersion in non-polar solvents

- The adsorption of stearic acid onto TiO2 nanoparticles is more than oleic acid.
- Both oleic and stearic acid treated particles can be degraded under UV irradiation.
- Stearic acid treated particles provide better dispersion after UV irradiation.

Anatase TiO2 nanoparticles were treated with oleic or stearic acid, and the dispersion behaviour of the treated and non-treated nanoparticles in non-polar solvents was studied. The dispersion stability of the TiO2 nanoparticles was also visually examined. It was found that stearic acid covers the nanoparticles surface more than oleic acid. Moreover, the influence of the UV irradiation on the chemical structure as well as the dispersion behaviour of the oleic acid and stearic acid treated nanoparticles was investigated. The results showed that the stearic acid treated nanoparticles provide a better dispersion performance after UV irradiation.

Graphical Abstract103