TiO2sta

TiO2sta is a term that refers to a specific crystalline phase of titanium dioxide (TiO2). While anatase and rutile are the most well-known and commonly studied polymorphs of TiO2, the sta phase represents a less common but still significant structural variation. The 'sta' in TiO2sta is derived from the structure's relationship to stishovite, a high-pressure polymorph of silica. Similar to stishovite, TiO2sta exhibits a rutile-like structure but with a higher coordination number for the titanium atoms, typically six, and oxygen atoms also in a six-coordinate environment.

This crystalline phase is often encountered under specific conditions of high pressure and temperature. Its formation can be influenced by the synthesis method and the thermodynamic stability of the TiO2 system. While less prevalent in everyday applications compared to anatase or rutile, TiO2sta holds interest in materials science due to its unique structural properties, which can influence its optical, electronic, and catalytic behavior. Research into TiO2sta explores its potential applications in areas where extreme conditions might be relevant or where novel material properties are sought. The precise conditions for its formation and the full extent of its properties are subjects of ongoing scientific investigation.