Phase-pure TiO 2 nanoparticles: anatase, brookite and rutile

We report on the synthesis of phase-pure TiO(2) nanoparticles in anatase, rutile and brookite structures, using amorphous titania as a common starting material. Phase formation was achieved by hydrothermal treatment at elevated temperatures with the appropriate reactants. Anatase nanoparticles were obtained using acetic acid, while phase-pure rutile and brookite nanoparticles were obtained with hydrochloric acid at a different concentration. The nanomaterials were characterized using x-ray diffraction, UV-visible reflectance spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, and transmission electron microscopy. We propose that anatase formation is dominated by surface energy effects, and that rutile and brookite…

• CN
  Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología