Work

Use of cassava starch (tapioca) in the synthesis of nanosized titanium dioxide: Evidence for the stabilization of anatase and rutile phases

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This investigation presents a novel procedure for synthesizing titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) using cassava starch (tapioca) as an additive. Two samples were prepared for comparison: one synthesized with tapioca (TiO 2 -T) and the other without it (TiO 2 ). Both were calcined at temperatures ranging from 500 °C to 800 °C. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed that tapioca inhibited the formation of the rutile phase in TiO 2 -T at 600 °C, while the anatase phase persisted at all temperatures in TiO 2 -T, with varying percentages (10–100 %). In contrast, anatase was only present up to 600 °C in the TiO 2 sample, accounting for 90 % at that temperature. UV Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRUV) data showed a decrease in bandgap values in both samples with increasing calcination temperature. Photoluminescence (PL) analysis, performed on samples calcined at 600 °C, suggested that TiO 2 -T exhibited a lower charge carrier recombination rate, indicating better photocatalytic potential. This study underscores the use of tapioca as a natural, renewable additive and suggests this environmentally friendly approach could inspire further research in sustainable material development.

Source: Next Materials

DOI: 10.1016/j.nxmate.2025.100797

Authors: Willians Lopes de Almeida, Felipe Antônio Lucca Sanchéz, Fabiano Severo Rodembusch, Vânia Caldas de Sousa

Institution: Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul

Language: English

Topic: TiO2 Photocatalysis and Solar Cells

Subfield: Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

Field: Energy

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,280