Shock-consolidated TiO2 bulk with pure anatase phases fabricated by explosive compaction using underwater shockwave

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) bulk with pure anatase phases was fabricated by an explosive compaction technique using an underwater shockwave. Dynamic shock pressure of 6 GPa was used to consolidate anatase TiO2 powders. Its microstructural, crystalline structural and photocatalytic characteristics were observed and measured by various techniques, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and photocatalytic activity measurement system. It was confirmed that the relative density of anatase TiO2 compact is about 96% (3.73 g/cm3) of the theoretical density (3.89 g/cm3) and a strong surface bonding between particles is formed by a shock energy. In X-ray diffraction analysis, high purity anatase phases, broadened peaks due to lattice defects and decreased crystallite size were found. For the photocatalytic activities, the anatase TiO2 compact was quite excellent compared to the commercial sintered TiO2 bulk.