titanatetype

Titanatetype is an informal, nonstandard term used in chemistry and materials science to describe a family of compounds and materials that feature titanate motifs—structures based on titanium–oxygen networks. It does not designate a single compound but a class of titanate-based frameworks and morphologies that appear in various crystal structures.

Common examples include perovskite-type titanates with the general formula ABTiO3, where A is a larger cation such as an alkali, alkaline earth, or rare-earth element, and B is Ti4+. Another important subset is layered titanates, such as H2Ti3O7 and related layered compounds produced by interlayer ion exchange or exfoliation. Titanate nanotubes and related nanostructures also fall under the informal titanatetype umbrella.

These materials commonly exhibit properties useful in electronics and energy applications, including high dielectric constant, ferroelectricity, piezoelectricity, and photocatalytic activity. Their behavior depends on composition, structure, and synthesis, with processing conditions controlling phase, layer stacking, and Ti–O connectivity.

Because titanatetype is not a formal chemical taxonomy, usage varies by field and author, and it is often replaced by more specific designations such as titanate perovskites or layered titanates. See also titanate, perovskite titanates, layered titanates, and titanate nanotubes.