A review on nano-TiO₂ sol–gel type syntheses and its applications

Nanomaterials, defined as particles ranging from 1 to 100 nm diameter, have become widely utilized because of their unique physicochemical properties. Among those nanoparticles, titanium dioxide (TiO₂) is frequently used in the production of paints, paper, plastics, welding rod-coating material, cosmetics, etc. TiO₂ is the most commonly used semiconductor photocatalyst. Among the different nanomaterials, it is the most studied. Activated by UV-A irradiation, its photocatalytic properties have been utilized in various applications. A wealth of information on TiO₂ photocatalytic in activation of bacteria has been acquired over the last 20 years. Hence, in this review article we have described synthesis methods mainly sol–gel type method like sol–gel method, ultrasonic-assisted sol–gel method, microemulsion method, colloidal synthesis, and also other method are discussed like solvo-thermal method, thermal plasma process, supersonically expanded plasma jet method, induction plasma torch, reactive plasma processing, plasma electrolytic oxidation, hydrolysis method, thermohydrolysis method, coprecipitation method, citrate–nitrate autocombustion method, etc. Also applications of TiO₂ like medical applications, environmental application, sensor application, photocatalytic applications, and also its health impact for long-term exposure are discussed.