Encapsulation of Cu-doped TiO₂ nanocomposites with the understanding of weak photocatalytic properties for sunscreen applications

Abstract

We report the fabrication and characterization of varying concentration (x) of copper (Cu)-doped TiO₂ nanocomposites [Cu_(x)TiO_2(1-x)] exploring the photocatalytic properties for sunscreen applications. The Cu-doped TiO₂ nanocomposite [Cu_(x)TiO_2(1-x)] has been synthesized by the low-temperature lab-scale sol-gel hydrothermal method. The concentration of Cu in TiO₂ has been chosen as 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4% by weight. With varying concentrations of [Cu_(x)TiO_2(1-x)], the structural and morphological properties are obtained using x-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The effect of optical properties for varying concentrations of Cu²⁺ ions in TiO₂ has been studied using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy. Further, by exploring the photocatalytic properties of fabricated [Cu_(x)TiO_2(1-x)] has been utilized for sunscreen applications. The concept of sunscreen application of Cu-doped TiO₂ can be viewed from the fact that the bare TiO₂ generates free radicals that can raise the risk of harmful effects on the skin. Our aim is to synthesize the nontoxic material which can either stop or slow the process of generation of free radicals under sun exposure. In the sun exposure, the risk of free radicals produces by pristine TiO₂ can be reduced by doping of copper with titania. We have been observed that [Cu_(x)TiO_2(1-x)] with x equaling 4% (rutile phase) displays the most effective UV-blocking property with weak photocatalytic activity and is found to be better for sunscreen application. Therefore, Cu-doped TiO₂ nanocomposite maintains all the properties of TiO₂ at nanoscale as well as improves the concerning property of the cosmetic industry.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Keywords:

• Doping
• copper
• TiO₂
• nanoparticles
• photocatalysis
• sunscreen
• cosmetics

Acknowledgment

The authors would like to thank National Physical Laboratory (NPL), New Delhi for providing constant support, all facilities, and requirements required for executing the research work. The authors Dr. Sanjay Kumar Swami and Dr. Rana Tabassum are grateful to the Department of Science and Technology for INSPIRE Faculty Scheme.