Size-controlled synthesis of dispersed equiaxed amorphous TiO2 nanoparticles

Amorphous titania (TiO2) is an important precursor for synthesis of single-phase nanocrystalline anatase. Dispersed equiaxed amorphous TiO2 nanoparticles with controlled sizes were synthesized by a facile sol gel process and calcination. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analyses indicated that after calcination at 320 degrees C for 2 h, the product is pure TiO2. The amorphous nature of the product was verified by X-ray and electron diffraction analyses. Transmission electron microscopy observations revealed that amorphous TiO2 nanoparticles are well dispersed. Average particle sizes and particle size distribution of amorphous TiO2 nanoparticles can be controlled by adjusting pH value and organic titanium sources. Dispersed equiaxed TiO2 nanoparticles with average particle sizes in the 21-52 nm range can be synthesized. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserved.