Scalable Production of Mesoporous Titanium Nanoparticles Through Sequential Flash Nanocomplexation

Mesoporous titanium nanoparticles (MTNs) have emerged as an important porous semiconductor owning to their large surface area and unique electronic/optical properties. However, the fundamental research for rational manufacturing MTNs in a highly scalable manner remains a challenge. In this study, we report a two-step flash nanocomplexation (FNC) approach to large-scalable generate MTNs through the sequential combination of two multi-inlet vortex mixers. By optimizing the concentrated titanium precursor, polyethylene glycol (PEG)-functionalized silane amount and pH, we have been able to produce MTNs with small particle size (31.5 nm), larger surface area (416.9 m²/g) and pore volume (0.59 cm3/g). Different from the traditional MTNs bulk, FNC-produced MTNs exhibited well-controlled manner and exceptional photocatalytic and antibacterial properties. Importantly, the optimized MTNs outperformed commercial P25 not only in protecting ultraviolet A (UVA)-exposed skin, but also in treating P. aeruginosa-infected wound. We believe that the high controllability and scalability of sequential flash nanocomplexation method offers great opportunities in enhancing the performance of mesoporous titanium nanoparticles.