Hot-fluid annealing for crystalline titanium dioxide nanoparticles in stable suspension

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles were synthesized by controlled hydrolysis of titanium alkoxide in reverse micelles in a hydrocarbon solvent. Upon annealing in situ in the presence of the micelles at temperatures considerably lower than those required for the traditional calcination treatment in the solid state, the TiO2 nanoparticles became highly crystalline but still maintained the same physical parameters and remained in a stable suspension. Thus, the method has allowed the preparation of crystalline TiO2 nanoparticles that are monodispersed in the same way as they are initially produced in the microemulsion. Effects of the fluid properties on the crystallization of nanoparticles are discussed.