Polymer Nanocomposites Based on TiO ₂ as a Reinforcing Agent: An Overview

Titania (TiO ₂) is one of the most versatile materials in the field of polymer science and technology. In recent years, a large area of research has focused on the combination of TiO ₂ with polymers and other carbon nanostructures. Literature reports suggest that nanoscale TiO ₂ reinforcement gives rise to new optical, electrical, and physiochemical properties attained at extremely low TiO ₂ content, thus making these nanocomposites (NCs) a promising new class of materials. This review summarizes the contemporary views on the state-of-the-art synthesis and applications of TiO ₂-based polymer nanocomposites having different polymer matrices. The merits and demerits of various fabrication techniques have been presented alongside. Moreover, the worth of polymer/TiO ₂ NCs for various applications such as environmental remediation, i.e., water treatment and gas separation, biomedical, sensing, and energy sector has also been discussed. Based on the latter, one can safely anticipate that these materials hold the promise for commercial applications in widespread fields.