Influence of an alternating electric field on the hydrolysis process of titanyl sulphate solution without adding external seeds

Abstract

Alternating electric field was employed in this research on the hydrolysis process of titanyl sulphate solution without adding external seeds. A detailed analysis and characterisation on the structure and morphology of the hydrolysis product were carried out by calculating the hydrolysis rate and by employing methods such as X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and thermogravimetric-differential scanning calorimetry. The results indicated that the alternating electric field enhanced the hydrolysis rate, and the crystal form of the hydrolysis product was still in anatase phase showing no change of crystal phase within the alternating electric field. However, the absorption of the sulphate radical (SO42−) on the surface of the hydrolysed product (TiO2·H2O) decreased, and a hydrolysed product with better crystallinity and bigger crystallite size was obtained. Meanwhile, the alternating electric field could promote a plentiful of granules produced on the surface of the hydrolysed product, and an increase in the nucleation rate as well as crystal growth.