Abstract
Synthesis of Zn2Ti3O8 powders for attenuating UVA using TiCl4, Zn(NO3)2·6H2O and NH4OH as precursor materials by hydrothermal process has been investigated. The X-ray diffractometry (XRD) results show the phases of ZnO, anatase TiO2 and Zn2Ti3O8 coexisted when the zinc titanate powders were calcined at 600 °C for 1 h. When calcined at 900 °C for 1 h, the XRD results reveal the existence of ZnO, Zn2TiO4, rutile TiO2 and ZnTiO3. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) observations show extensive large agglomeration in the samples. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) and electron diffraction (ED) examination results indicate that ZnTiO3 crystallites formed with a size of about 5 nm on the matrix of plate-like ZnO when calcined at 700 °C for 1 h. The calcination samples have acceptable absorbance at a wavelength of 400 nm, indicating that the zinc titanate precursor powders calcined at 700 °C for 1 h can be used as an UVA-attenuating agent.
Highlights
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation that reaches the earth and damages skin can be divided into three key wavelengths: (i) UVC (32–280 nm), (ii) UVB (280–320 nm) and (iii) UVA (320–400 nm)
No other compounds and free species, except for the hexagonal form of ZnTiO3, are observed up to the decomposition temperature at 965 C. These results suggest that the compound so far denoted as Zn2Ti3O8 is a low temperature form of ZnTiO3
It is found that the calcined sample has an acceptable transmittance at the wavelength of 400 nm. This result indicates that zinc titanate precursor powders calcined at 700 C for 1 h can be used as an UVA-attenuating agent
Summary
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation that reaches the earth and damages skin can be divided into three key wavelengths: (i) UVC (32–280 nm), (ii) UVB (280–320 nm) and (iii) UVA (320–400 nm). UVA radiation is a major culprit in photoaging and skin cancers. Protection against harmful UVA and UVB radiation is very important. Sheath [2] pointed out that sunscreens used for the protection of human skin against the harmful effects of solar radiation must contain UV-absorbing substances. Fine particles of various metal oxides, such ZnO and TiO2, are extensively used as agents to attenuate (scatter and/or absorb) UV radiation, and have many attractive characteristics, such as a long history of topical use, broad spectrum absorption, high photostability and low irritancy [3]. An extensive literature search found that the use of ZnO-TiO2 as a sunscreen for cosmetic applications has not been fully investigated
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