Preparation, Characteristics, and Application of Bifunctional TiO₂ Sheets

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is recognized for its high reflectance properties.
• Dry reagent chemical tests require specialized sheets for accurate analysis.
• Developing bifunctional materials enhances diagnostic capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prepare bifunctional TiO2 sheets with both diffusive and reflective properties.
• To optimize the preparation conditions for these bifunctional sheets.
• To evaluate the suitability of these sheets for dry chemical diagnostic reagents.

Main Methods:

• Preparation of TiO2 sheets using TiO2 microspheres and cellulose acetate (CA).
• Investigation of factors including CA dosage, water content, mixing time, and surfactant choice.
• Characterization using thermogravimetry, differential thermal analysis, SEM, contact angle tests, and reflectance spectroscopy.

Main Results:

• Optimal conditions identified: CA:TiO2 ratio of 0.05:1, Triton-100 surfactant, 5h mixing, and natural drying.
• Achieved light reflectivity >90% in the 420-800 nm range.
• Demonstrated uniform serum diffusion and colorful spot formation upon reaction.

Conclusions:

• The developed bifunctional TiO2 sheets possess excellent reflective and diffusive properties.
• The optimized sheets offer uniform serum diffusion and good repeatability.
• These sheets are a promising material for advanced dry chemical diagnostic reagents.