Multiphase TiO2 nanostructures: a review of efficient synthesis, growth mechanism, probing capabilities, and applications in bio-safety and health

This review article provides an exhaustive overview of the efficient synthesis, growth mechanism and research activities that mainly concern an assortment of multiphase TiO2 nanostructures and their structural, morphological, optical and biological properties co-relations. First, a systematic review is provided for the state-of-art and synthetic mechanisms utilized to generate these nanostructured systems. A range of remarkable photoactive characteristics with respect to the effects of the structural phases as well as morphogenesis are then briefly covered and organized into sections presenting the nanostructures' photo-luminescence and photo-catalysis properties. A plausible mechanism for their nano-bio interaction is also reviewed, and clearly shows their potential in bio-safety and health applications. These studies should inspire researchers involved in both fundamental and application based research to pursue further developments in multiphase TiO2 nanostructures.