Carbonate ions-assisted syntheses of anatase TiO2 nanoparticles exposed with high energy (001) facets

Anatase TiO2 nanoparticles exposed with a remarkable amount (60%) of high-energy (001) facets were synthesized via a fluorine-free hydrothermal route, using K-titanate nanowires as a precursor and urea as a surface regulator. The carbonate ions were found to play a key role in the formation of the exposed (001) facets.