Monodispersed spherical colloids of titania: Synthesis, characterization, and crystallization

The generation of spherical colloids of titania with uniform diameters (see Figure for an SEM image) has been achieved using a new precursor. By varying the concentration of titanium glycolate in acetone the diameter of these spherical colloids could be controlled in the 200-500 nm range. The as-synthesized colloids could also be readily assembled into 3D crystalline lattices with qualities sufficiently good for optical characterization.