Study of nanoparticles based on Cr and Sb doped TiO2 as pigments for inkjet technology applications

Abstract

Nanoparticles of the ceramic pigment with composition Ti0.97Cr0.015Sb0.015O2 were prepared by microemulsion-mediated solvothermal method at 180 ºC. Anatase or rutile single phase was obtained depending on the synthesis conditions. Scanning electron microscope analysis showed the formation of nanospheres with particle size around 600 nm. The anatase to rutile transformation temperature was determined by Raman spectroscopy. The evolution of the colour was studied, and it was related with the polymorphic transition. Yellow nanopigments were obtained at low temperature and huge orange colour was observed at high temperature. Nanopigments prepared at 180 ºC were tested with an industrial frit. Similar chromatic coordinates of an industrial orange ceramic pigment obtained at high temperatures were observed. -potential values of the nanoparticles were  -57 mV. The size, shape, colour and electrostatic stability of these nanoparticles make them potential candidates to be applied in glazes or inkjet printers as orange ceramic pigments.