Aspects of the Hydrolysis of Titanium(IV) Sulphate Solutions

Abstract

The hydrolytic precipitation of hydrous titanium dioxide from aqueous titanium(IV) sulphate solutions has been studied. Using volumetric and spectrophotometric techniques, the kinetics of the hydrolysis reaction were studied. The effects of concentration and acidity of the solution, temperature of hydrolysis, and solution additives on the reaction kinetics are reported. These data have led to the proposal of a mechanism for the reaction. The precipitated hydrous titanium dioxide was also studied. Infrared absorption spectra and extensive particle size and crystallite size measurements have been reported. Particle size measurements were made using scanning electron microscopy and radiochemical surface exchange techniques. Crystallite size was determined using x-ray diffraction line-broadening. The effects of the concentration acidity and temperature of the initial solution on the particle size of the hydrous titanium dioxide precipitated have also been determined.