A study on the growth and structure of titania nanotubes

Titania nanotubes synthesized by a soft chemical process are described, having diameters of 8 nm to 10 nm and lengths ranging from approximately 0.1 mum to 1 mum. X-ray diffraction studies show the structure of the as-prepared nanotubes is the same as that of the starting anatase TiO2 nanoparticles. Energy-dispersive x-ray analysis and electron energy loss spectroscopy studies further indicate that the as-prepared nanotubes are composed of titania. Studies using transmission electron microscopy verified that the nanotubes are formed during alkali treatment, with subsequent acidic treatments having no effect on nanotube structure and shape.