Author: M. Deekshitha, Y.V.V.S.N. Murthy, J. Narayanan and SandeepKumar

DOI: http://doi.org/10.31788/RJC.2026.1929653

Calcium carbonate (CaCO3)-modified titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesised by a combinedsol-gel and wet impregnation method to achieve controlled surface and structural modifications for multifunctional applications. The incorporation of CaCO3, an environmentally compatible dopant, into the TiO2 matrix was carriedout to build physicochemical properties while maintaining high surface reactivity. XRD analysis confirmedthepredominance of the anatase phase, with slight variations in peak, suggesting the influence of CaCO3 incorporation. Synthesised sample indicating the formation of well-defined nano-flower structures, while elemental analysisindicates uniform dopant distribution within the TiO2 framework. These particles exhibited increased crystallinityand a controlled particle-size distribution, indicating moderate dispersion stability with limited aggregation. Thesestructural and surface modifications are indicative of characteristics desirable for nano-lubricant applications, particularly for friction reduction, wear resistance, load-bearing performance, surface interaction and stability. Furthermore, the modified material suggests its suitability as a multifunctional candidate for sustainable industrial applications. Overall, this study highlights the role of CaCO3_doping in tuning TiO2 properties and provides a basefor future experimental studies in tribological and environmental domains.

Keywords: TiO2 Nanoparticles; CaCO3 Doping; Sol–Gel Synthesis; Wet Impregnation; Nanocomposites; Dispersion Stability; Nano-Lubricants.