Zinc titanate


Zinc titanate, also known as zinc titanium oxide, is an inorganic compound existing in three major forms: ZnTiO3, Zn2TiO4 and Zn2Ti3O8. It is used as a regenerable catalyst, a pigment and a sorbent of sulfur compounds at elevated temperatures. It is a white powder that is insoluble in water.

Synthesis and properties

The ZnTiO3, Zn2TiO4 and Zn2Ti3O8 forms crystallize in hexagonal, cubic and cubic structures, respectively. They can be produced by heating a mixture of ZnO and TiO2 powders or processing it with a ball mill. Zn2Ti3O8 forms at lowest temperatures, followed by ZnTiO3 and then Zn2TiO4; the last phase dominates at temperatures above 1000 °C.

Toxicity

Zinc titanate irritates the skin, mucous membranes and eyes. Zinc fumes can cause metal fume fever.