Last updated: 2026-01
Material Identity
- Chemical name: Titanium heptoxide
- CAS number: 107372-98-5
- Crystal family: Magnéli phase titanium oxide
- Formula: Ti7O13
- CAS number: not uniquely assigned for Magnéli phases
- Physical form: inorganic ceramic nanopowder
- What it is not: not titanium dioxide (TiO2), not metallic titanium, not carbon black or graphene
Activation & Trigger Conditions
- Trigger: electronic excitation and photon absorption
- Energy domain: electron transport via oxygen-vacancy-induced sub-band states
- Absent trigger: stoichiometric oxidation eliminates conductive pathways
- Insufficient condition: poor crystallinity or phase mixing reduces conductivity
- Excess condition: over-oxidation converts Magnéli phase toward TiO2, suppressing function
Functional Role
- Provides intrinsic electronic conductivity without carbon
- Enables photothermal conversion under broad light exposure
- Acts as a stable conductive ceramic filler
- Supports charge transport in composite and coating systems
Application Windows
- Compatible systems: polymers, coatings, inks, adhesives, ceramic composites
- Loading range: formulation-dependent; no universal loading applies
- Processing notes: dispersion quality and oxidation control strongly influence performance
Limitations & Failure Modes
- Oxidative processing → phase oxidation → loss of conductivity
- Poor dispersion → isolated particles → ineffective conductive network
- High-temperature air exposure → structural transformation → degraded photothermal response
Alternatives & Trade-offs
- Carbon black: higher percolation efficiency but poor heat resistance and color control
- Graphene or CNTs: high conductivity with dispersion and cost challenges
- Doped TiO2: improved conductivity but weaker than Magnéli phases
When to Use
- When carbon-free electrical conductivity is required
- When photothermal response is beneficial
- When ceramic thermal and chemical stability are needed
- When dark coloration is acceptable or desired
FAQ
Is Ti4O7 the same as TiO₂?
No. Ti4O7 is an oxygen-deficient Magnéli phase with fundamentally different electronic properties.
Is the conductivity metallic?
No. Conductivity arises from defect-mediated electronic transport, not free-electron metallic behavior.
Why does performance vary between batches?
Differences in oxygen vacancy concentration, phase purity, particle size, and oxidation history affect behavior.
Data
No numerical values are provided. Electrical conductivity, optical absorption, and stability are grade- and process-specific and should be verified experimentally.
Sources
General literature on Magnéli phase titanium oxides and supplier technical documentation where available.