Scientists get charged up over titanium dioxide

titanium dioxide molecular model

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Groups debate usefulness of conventional +4 titanium oxidation state compared to +2.5 charge state

UK scientists are disputing a reassessment of the electronic structure of one of the world’s most common inorganic chemicals, calling it ‘unphysical’. The controversy surrounds titanium dioxide, whose uses range from a pigment in paint and sunscreen to an electronic material in experimental solar cells and batteries.